Trump endorses Republican incumbents ahead of Utah’s congressional primaries

SALT LAKE CITY — President Donald Trump endorsed all three incumbent Republicans running for Congress in Utah ahead of next week’s primary election.

The president issued the endorsements in a series of posts on his Truth Social account Wednesday evening, throwing his support behind Reps. Blake Moore, Celeste Maloy and Mike Kennedy, all of whom are running for reelection. Moore and Maloy face Republican challengers in Karianne Lisonbee and Phil Lyman, respectively, while Kennedy has already secured his party nomination.

Trump’s endorsements did not come as a surprise, as he had backed each of the candidates in past campaigns and previously expressed support.

“As the Vice Chairman of the House Republican Conference, Blake is doing an incredible job advancing our America First Agenda,” the president wrote of Moore. “He is working hard to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment.”

Moore is seeking his fourth term in Washington, where he serves as the No. 6 man in GOP leadership. The Utah congressman helped craft the savings accounts for U.S. children dubbed the “Trump Accounts,” which earned him a shout-out during this year’s State of the Union address.

Moore currently represents Utah’s 1st Congressional District but is running for reelection in the 2nd District after a court-ordered redrawing of the state’s congressional boundaries.

“The president backs leaders who know how to get things done, and I appreciate his support,” Moore told KSL through a spokesman. “I’m also proud to have the support of countless Utahns across the district who want someone they can count on.”

Lisonbee, a longtime state representative who is challenging Moore, has criticized the congressman’s support for Proposition 4 in 2018 and has blamed him in part for the new Democratic-leaning district centered in Salt Lake City. She handily beat Moore during the GOP nominating convention in April, though Moore had previously won the primary election after losing at the convention.

“No endorsement can overcome a terrible record,” she said in response to the president backing her opponent.

In backing Maloy, Trump said the congresswoman “has a strong Record of Success, and resounding support from her Community,” and repeated similar praise he heaped on Moore.

“I appreciate the endorsement and continued support of President Trump,” Maloy said in a statement to KSL. “The president endorsed me earlier this election cycle in November, and I am grateful he has now reaffirmed his support for my reelection campaign in Utah’s new 3rd Congressional District. I look forward to continuing to work hard for our state and district and earn the trust and votes of residents ahead of the June 23 Republican primary.”

Maloy narrowly defeated Lyman, a former San Juan County commissioner and former state lawmaker, during the Republican nominating convention, though Lyman earned enough support to force a primary for the nomination to represent Utah’s 3rd Congressional District.

“Celeste has been touting the president’s endorsement since before Phil entered the race,” a Lyman campaign spokesman told KSL. “Phil respects them both, and looks forward to working with the president in Congress.”

Trump called Kennedy a “Proven Leader” and “distinguished Congressman” as he backed the first-term congressman’s reelection bid. Kennedy is the only Republican in the race for Utah’s 4th Congressional District and will appear on the general election ballot in November.

Trump issued the endorsements as voting is already well underway in Utah, where ballots were mailed earlier this month.

Ballots must be returned to county clerks by 8 p.m. on Tuesday to be counted, so it is recommended that Utahns return ballots in drop boxes or vote in person at this time to ensure their votes are counted on time.

Polling and drop box locations can be found on county clerk websites or at vote.utah.gov.