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SALT LAKE CITY — Former Republican President Donald Trump gave his "complete and total endorsement" to Rep. Celeste Maloy, R-Utah, on Monday as she seeks to fend off a primary challenge from Colby Jenkins.
Trump issued the endorsement in a post on Truth Social, calling Maloy a "great advocate for the wonderful people of Utah's 2nd Congressional District!"
"Celeste is fighting to Secure the Border, Create Jobs, Restore American Energy Independence, Support our Military/Veterans, Defend Religious Liberty, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment," the former president said in a mostly canned statement. "Celeste Maloy has my Complete and Total Endorsement!"
Maloy said she is "looking forward to working with President Trump to advance the conservative agenda and strengthen America's position as a world leader." Trump is the presumptive nominee for the Republican presidential ticket this election cycle.
"I am committed to working with conservatives to secure the border, stop the Biden spending spree and runaway inflation, and regain our energy independence," the congresswoman added.
Trump's endorsement of Maloy adds an interesting wrinkle to the race just eight days before the Republican primary on June 25, as Utah Sen. Mike Lee — a close Trump ally who is a rumored pick as a possible U.S. attorney general in a second Trump term — has been a strong supporter of Jenkins. Lee was one of many Republicans to back Trump earlier this year before any votes were cast in GOP presidential primaries.
Lee endorsed Jenkins ahead of the GOP nominating convention in April and has been stumping for him on the campaign trail in recent weeks.
"I become even more of a @ColbyforUtah fan each time I hear him speak," Lee posted following a town hall with the candidate in Tooele on Saturday.
Lee's surprise endorsement likely helped Jenkins — then a little-known candidate — defeat Maloy at convention, though both earned enough votes from the delegates to force a primary election.
Maloy was first elected last fall in a special election to replace her former boss, Rep. Chris Stewart, and is seeking her first full term in the House of Representatives.
