The race between Rep. Maloy and Jenkins is in recount territory

SALT LAKE CITY — The race for Utah’s 2nd Congressional District between Celeste Maloy and Colby Jenkins is now in recount territory.

Incumbent Congresswoman Celeste Maloy, R-Utah has a 0.2% lead over candidate Colby Jenkins, according to the official Utah Elections Results website.

That’s a 214 vote lead. 

Related: Judge rules against Colby Jenkins in uncured ballots lawsuit

If the final tally remains under a quarter of a percent, then Jenkins can ask for a recount.

Rep. Celeste Maloy: ‘I’m holding strong’

Rep. Celeste Maloy spoke on her latest 0.2% lead via Zoom meeting, saying while the race is close, she trusts in the system. 

“It’s important that we count every legal ballot. It’s also important that people understand the rules of elections,” she said. 

She said she trusts in the county clerks and no matter the results, she isn’t going to question the election results. 

“We need to be able to accept outcomes and move forward,” she said.  “I’m holding strong, I believe in the clerks, and believe they did a great job in curing ballots.”

She commended her opponent, Colby Jenkins. 

“Waiting this long for a race to be called is not for wimps,” she said. She said while she knows they are in potential recount territory, she won’t pursue a recount. 

“As soon as the primary is over, it’s time for all of us to come back together and be on the same team.” 

Rep. Maloy also thanked President Donald Trump for his endorsement. She said her plan, if kept in office, will be to cut inflation, secure the border and invest in America.

Colby Jenkins: ‘We want to pursue a recount’

Colby Jenkins joined Jeff Caplan’s Afternoon News, saying his team will request a recount if the results stay in the same percentage.

“What a wonderful story we have. Two weeks ago we were down nearly 2,000 votes and today we were down over 300,” Jenkins said. “As we’ve talked right now, it is 214, and that margin continues to shrink.” 

Jenkins says these race results are a testament to the “tremendous work” of county clerks, county leaders and individual voters. 

He said he will request a recount to make sure that the counties count “every eligible vote.”  

Jenkins is worried that many uncured ballots won’t see daylight. He said many people are calling him directly, saying their vote’s been disqualified due to a late postmark, specifically those in southern Utah whose votes went through the Las Vegas mail route.  

“So just in Washington County alone we’re looking at over 1,000 plus votes that were potentially disenfranchised,” he said. 

What’s driving this push? He said it’s “to protect our Constitution and make sure every person’s right to vote is counted, is exercised.”