Crowded GOP Field Emerges for Utah Senate Seat as Romney Retires

Rep. John Curtis and Brent Hatch, son of late Sen. Orrin Hatch, join the race alongside early contenders Brad Wilson and Trent Staggs

Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) and Brent Hatch, son of the late Sen. Orrin Hatch, have announced their candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT).
Curtis, who represents Utah's 3rd Congressional District, initially said he would not run for Senate but reversed his decision after supporters urged him to reconsider.
Brent Hatch, a trial lawyer and treasurer of the Federalist Society, emphasized his 'insider’s knowledge' of government from his time serving Presidents Reagan and Bush in the White House.
Other Republican candidates include former Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson and Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs, who have been campaigning and fundraising for several months.
The race for Utah’s Senate seat is not expected to be competitive for Democrats, as Utah is a reliably Republican state.