Mike Kennedy wins against anti-MAGA Republican in Utah congressional primary
Mike Kennedy won the nomination for Utah’s 3rd Congressional District this week, becoming the favorite to win the House seat in November.
The state senator and family physician clinched just over 37% of the vote in a crowded primary pool of five Republicans, according to the Associated Press.
The 3rd district covers parts of eastern Utah, including Salt Lake City. The position is up for grabs after the current Republican in office, John Curtis, announced he would vacate his seat to run for U.S. Senate. Curtis hopes to replace Sen. Mitt Romney, who is retiring this year.
Kennedy defeated fellow Republicans, JR Bird, John Dougall, Case Lawrence, and Steward Peay. Kennedy had previously won the Utah Republican Party’s nomination in April, but the other contenders had gathered enough signatures to appear on the June 25 primary ballot.
One of Kennedy’s opponents, Dougall, positioned himself as decidedly anti-Trump, reports the Utah News Dispatch. Dougall described himself as “mainstream, not MAGA” and called out the “MAGA antics” of Utah’s transgender bathroom law.
Dougal ultimately ranked fifth, securing 9% of the Republican primary vote.
Kennedy’s win shows that it’s still an uphill battle for the GOP’s Never-Trumpers, even in a state like Utah that – while solidly Republican – has met Trump with some indifference this election season.
Sen. Mike Lee endorsed Kennedy last week, a rare move for the senior Utah senator, who generally stays neutral in his colleagues’ races. It was only the second time Lee endorsed a candidate in a Utah congressional race, according to Deseret News.
In a statement, Lee said that Kennedy was “a staunch defender of our Constitution, limited government, and Utah values.” He continued that Kennedy brings “unique skills as a doctor, attorney, business owner, and proven, conservative legislator.”
However, Kennedy’s victory was not a foregone conclusion for Utah voters. In two of the three congressional races yesterday, Utah Republicans chose candidates who lost the nomination at their state’s convention.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Utah election results: Mike Kennedy wins district primary
