Conservative Utah Lawmakers Endorse Brad Wilson for U.S. Senate Run
More than 60 conservative Utah lawmakers have thrown their support behind Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson for a potential U.S. Senate run, according to a spokesperson for Wilson. The endorsement comes as Wilson opened an exploratory committee in April for a potential 2024 run for the Senate seat currently held by Sen. Mitt Romney.
Although Wilson has not formally announced his candidacy, the backing from influential lawmakers demonstrates his growing support within the state. In response to the endorsement, Wilson expressed his gratitude and stated, Utah needs a bold, conservative fighter in the U.S. Senate, and I am humbled at the support and encouragement we’ve received so quickly.
Sen. Mitt Romney’s office declined to comment on the news. Romney, who has not yet announced whether he will seek reelection, is prepared should he decide to run. He filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission in April, allowing his campaign to begin fundraising.
Addressing the speculation surrounding his political future, Romney previously stated, The question for me is, what can I get done? I have a list of things I’m working on. I’ll make that assessment over the coming months, and sometime in the spring or summer, I’ll make that decision. I’m confident that I would win if I decide to run. I’ll have the resources, and I believe the people of Utah would be with me.
A recent poll conducted by the Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics in June revealed that 52% of Utah voters either strongly approved or somewhat approved of Romney’s performance. However, when asked whether he should run for reelection, 51% of respondents said no.
Meanwhile, Wilson has garnered significant support from his fellow Republicans in the Utah Legislature. Over three-quarters of Utah House Republicans and more than two-thirds of Senate Republicans have endorsed Wilson for a potential Senate run.
Utah House Majority Leader Mike Schultz praised Wilson’s conservative values, emphasizing the need for a conservative champion in the U.S. Senate. Wilson, who has been Speaker of the House in the Utah Legislature, has a proven track record of delivering legislative victories on conservative principles.
Senate President Stuart Adams echoed Schultz’s sentiments, describing Wilson as collaborative and highlighting their successful efforts in passing tax cuts, expanding school choice, and protecting Second Amendment rights.
If Wilson decides to enter the race, he will face competition from Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs, who has already announced his challenge against Romney for the Senate seat.
Staggs has also secured notable endorsements, including support from Turning Point USA, an organization advocating for conservative politics in educational institutions, the Utah Republican Veterans’ caucus, and the Utah State Fraternal Order of Police.
As the race for Utah’s Senate seat unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Wilson’s growing endorsement list and conservative values will propel him to the forefront of the political arena. Meanwhile, all eyes are on Sen. Mitt Romney as he weighs his options and decides whether to seek reelection.
