Jul 5, 2024 - News

Rep. Celeste Maloy holds razor-thin lead in GOP primary re-election bid

Kim Bojórquez

Celeste Maloy looks ahead in front of an American flag. — Rep. Celeste Maloy, R-Utah, participates in a swearing in ceremony with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., in the Rayburn Room of the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 28, 2023. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-Utah) holds a razor-thin lead in her re-election bid against GOP opponent Colby Jenkins in Utah's 2nd Congressional District primary, the latest unofficial results show.

By the numbers: As of Wednesday, Maloy led Jenkins, an Army veteran, by 295 votes in the Republican primary race that has yet to be called.

Why it matters: The results could potentially lead to a recount.

Between the lines: Candidates can request a recount if the margin is .25% or less, per the state's election law. Maloy is currently ahead by .28%.

State of play: That scenario is what Jenkins is hoping for, per the Deseret News.

He defeated Maloy during April's GOP convention (57% to 43%) after receiving a surprise, high-profile endorsement from Sen. Mike Lee.
Ahead of the GOP primary, former President Trump endorsed Maloy.

The big picture: Moderate Utah Republicans, including Rep. John Curtis and Gov. Spencer Cox, clinched victory in their GOP primary contests, despite poor performances at the convention.

Catch up quick: Maloy, a former congressional staffer, won a special election last year to replace her former boss Rep. Chris Stewart. She was elected last November, with nearly 57% of the vote.

Jenkins was a political unknown before he was endorsed by Lee.

What we're watching: Rural voters will decide the race.

Their support last year for Maloy, who has deep roots in Washington County, helped propel her to Congress.

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Rep. Celeste Maloy holds razor-thin lead in GOP primary re-election bid

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