Utah Republican Rep. Celeste Malloy won Tuesday’s Republican primary for Utah’s 2nd Congressional District.
Malloy faced off against a combat-experienced challenger, Colby Jenkins. He will face off against the Democratic candidate in November.
Utah’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes cities like Cedar City and St. George, is considered a surefire Republican district and not competitive heading into the general election.
From left, Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, Rep. Celeste Malloy, R-Utah, Rep. John Curtis, R-Utah, and Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah, attend a swearing-in ceremony in the Rayburn Room at the U.S. Capitol after Rep. Malloy is sworn in on the House floor on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Several prominent candidates participated in the district’s Republican primary, including former President Trump, who endorsed Malloy earlier this month.
Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah has been involved in the race for some time, endorsing Jenkins in April.
“Too many Republicans in Congress have voted to expand the size, scope and cost of the federal government, often deferring to Republicans seeking to advance Democratic agendas. We need bold conservatives in Congress now,” conservative Republicans said at the time. “We need Colby Jenkins. His commitment to the Constitution, fiscal responsibility, limited government and individual liberty makes him the perfect candidate to represent Utah values in Washington.”
Election officials in all 50 states have been asked by the Biden administration for information on preventing foreigners from voting.
Trump endorsed Malloy even though others were backing his opponent. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
After receiving Lee’s surprise endorsement, Jenkins defeated Malloy 57% to 43% at the Utah Republican nominating convention, and the two ultimately advanced to the primary. Deseret News.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) also endorsed the Republican candidate. The two Republican senators also edited promotional videos for Jenkins and posted them on the candidates’ YouTube channels.
Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswami also endorsed Jenkins, calling him “America First” and praising Lee for putting the system in place.
How to watch the CNN presidential debate simulcast on the FOX News Channel
Ramaswamy, pictured, said Lee introduced him to Jenkins. (Micah Green/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
In addition to Trump’s endorsement, incumbent Malloy also touted the support of House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, and three other Republican House members from Utah, Reps. Blake Moore, John Curtis and Burgess Owens.
Ahead of the primary, Lee took to social media to voice his support for Jenkins and urged Utahns to vote.
‘Biggest threat’: Former Kamala Harris adviser reveals which Trump running mate could unseat Harris
Lee’s endorsement surprised many. (Bill Clark)
“1. Who has already voted for Colby Jenkins? 2. Who plans to vote for Colby Jenkins today or tomorrow? 3. Who would enthusiastically vote for Colby Jenkins if they lived in Utah’s 2nd Congressional District? I’m in the 3rd category. How about you?” the senator wrote on one of his X accounts on Monday.
Click here to get the FOX News app
Malloy was sworn in as a congressman after winning a special election in November 2023 to replace former Rep. Chris Stewart. During his brief tenure in the House, Jenkins pointed to Malloy’s voting record and criticized him for compromising with Democrats on spending bills and the reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).
In response to criticism at a debate earlier this month, Malloy was reported to have said, “Anger points, hyperbole and tough talk are not a recipe for victory, but they make very good campaign slogans.” Deseret News.
Get the latest 2024 election campaign updates, exclusive interviews and more on Fox News Digital’s Election Hub.
