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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Rep. Blake Moore weighed in on the race for the state's U.S. Senate seat on Wednesday by endorsing his current colleague, Rep. John Curtis.
In doing so, he admitted he was going against advice from Curtis to avoid endorsing candidates in other races, but said he felt "compelled to share my opinion on why I am supporting John Curtis."
"I trust John Curtis completely — he is honest, doesn't pander, knows what is best for Utah, and leads in a conservative and productive manner," Moore said. "I've worked with him closely for almost four years and he has shown me how to get things done in a toxic and unproductive environment."
Moore, who serves as vice chairman of the House Republican caucus, went on to describe Curtis as a "proud dad and grandfather," who puts his wife, Sue Snarr, first. He said the longest-serving member of Utah's House delegation "treats his role in Congress like a mayor" — having served as mayor of Provo for eight years prior to running for Congress.
"Mayors solve problems and their first priority is always their constituents, so it is no wonder he is so popular in Utah's 3rd District," Moore said.
The state will "desperately need a voice in the U.S. Senate and there is no better voice than John Curtis'," Moore added.
Curtis is one of four Republicans currently running to replace Sen. Mitt Romney in the Senate and a recent poll shows him with a sizable lead over Trent Staggs, Brad Wilson and Jason Walton.
Ballots were mailed out for the June 25 primary election last week. The winner of the GOP primary will advance to face Democrat Caroline Gleich in the November general election.
First elected in 2020, Moore faces his own Republican primary challenge from electrical foreman Paul Miller as he seeks reelection.
