Sen. John Curtis Considers Leaving Senate for Utah Governor Bid

Senator John Curtis (R-Utah) has reportedly retreated to the mountains to contemplate his future, specifically whether to leave the Senate after just over a year and a half to run for governor of Utah. Sources suggest that “Trump’s MAGA base” may be influencing his decision.

Curtis, who previously served as the congressman for Utah’s 3rd District and has been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, took over Mitt Romney’s Senate seat about 16 months ago.

Despite his brief time in the Senate, Curtis mentioned on Monday that he is already exploring the possibility of going back to his roots in Utah. He even visited his cabin to “pray and meditate” in preparation for a potential run for governor in 2028.

Insiders have indicated that Curtis’s team is actively engaging with donors and supporters across the state to measure backing for his gubernatorial ambitions. His chief of staff hinted that the opportunity is indeed on the table.

Corey Norman, Curtis’s chief of staff, expressed that “John Curtis intends to serve where the people of Utah want him to serve.” Norman emphasized on ABC4 that Curtis is fundamentally a problem solver and would excel as governor.

Meanwhile, Curtis’s agenda includes a proposed bill that requires proof of citizenship to vote, an initiative approved by Trump. He has acknowledged the challenges of limited voting options, particularly for those voting by mail, which he views as unfair.

Interestingly, Curtis has also turned down Trump’s suggestion to eliminate the filibuster for the bill, reasoning that the focus should be on the bill itself, not procedural tactics.

In a potentially reflective endeavour, Curtis is planning a 250-mile solo walk across Utah, marking the United States’ 250th anniversary. This journey is seen by some close to him as a moment to think over his political career.

A Republican insider noted that Curtis doesn’t particularly enjoy his current role in the Senate, stating that he’s viewed unfavorably by Trump’s base, which labels him as one of the more moderate Republicans.

His predecessor, Jason Chafetz—a staunch Trump supporter and Fox News commentator—has also set his sights on becoming governor in 2028. Chafetz, who previously chaired the House Oversight Committee, embodies a more aggressive pro-Trump stance, contrasting with the moderate image Curtis portrays. When Curtis stepped in to fill Chafetz’s former position, he garnered Romney’s endorsement.

Another Republican operative expressed concern about the early speculation regarding Curtis’s potential campaign, lamenting that it feels premature to kick off the gubernatorial race, especially with more than two years until the election.