On Saturday, President Donald Trump threw his full support behind Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs for the U.S. Senate seat soon to be vacated by Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT). On his Truth Social account, Trump lauded Staggs as a “100% MAGA” leader and labeled Romney as a “total loser,” signaling a heated battle for the conservative voting base in Utah.
“Trent Staggs is running to fill The Mitt Romney, a Total Loser, Seat as the next Senator from the Great State of Utah! A Highly Successful Entrepreneur, who has served brilliantly as Mayor of Riverton for the past six years,” Trump posted. He praised Staggs’ capabilities in job creation, economic growth, and border security, asserting that Staggs would “Unleash American Energy, Support our Military/Vets, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment.”
I'm honored to have the endorsement of Donald Trump! pic.twitter.com/Ry2n1mS9rE
— Mayor Trent Staggs (@MayorStaggs) April 27, 2024
The endorsement came as thousands of Republican delegates convened in Salt Lake City for Utah’s Republican convention, marking a pivotal moment for Staggs’ campaign. He is among ten Republicans vying for the nomination, with the convention proving crucial for securing a spot on the primary ballot. Staggs has been active across the state and nationally, actively seeking major GOP endorsements.
Staggs has been vocal about his criticisms of Romney, accusing him of betraying Utah voters with his voting record and lack of presence in the state. “Voters in Utah feel 100 percent betrayed by Romney’s voting record and his failure to spend time in the state,” Staggs told Breitbart News. Staggs echoed This sentiment in response to Romney’s announcement not to seek reelection, claiming Utah is “ready” for an “America First candidate.”
Staggs’s path to the general election is not yet secured. The Utah GOP convention was the first step, but Utah’s Republican primary is set for June 25. Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) and former Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson (R) also made it onto the primary ballot by collecting voter signatures.
The primary will serve as an early test of Trump’s endorsement power this election cycle, particularly in states like Utah, where the Republican electorate has shown tendencies toward establishment Republicans in many cases.
For Staggs, aligning with Trump consolidates his base among America First voters. It will be an important testing ground for attracting independents nationwide in 2024.
