Overview

• Republican Celeste Maloy takes an early lead in Utah's special congressional election, leading Democrat Kathleen Riebe 53% to 38% in early returns.
• Maloy, a first-time candidate and former staffer in Stewart’s office, has focused much of her campaign on her rural roots, performing best in the most rural parts of the state.
• Riebe, a Utah state senator and public school teacher, won the Democratic nomination over two opponents in June.
• Despite the Republican lead, observers suggest a solid performance from Riebe could signal to Democrats that the second congressional district could be a more viable pickup opportunity in the future.
• Regardless of who wins, there won’t be much time for the winner to celebrate as candidates can start filing to run in next year’s election on Jan. 2, 2024.