POLITICS & ELECTIONS

Donald Trump endorses Celeste Maloy for re-election ahead of GOP primary

Jun 17, 2024, 3:51 PM | Updated: 5:25 pm

Rep. Celeste Maloy, R-Utah, the incumbent candidate running for the 2nd Congressional District, spe...

Rep. Celeste Maloy, R-Utah, the incumbent candidate running for the 2nd Congressional District, speaks at the Utah Republican Party state nominating convention at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 27, 2024. (Megan Nielsen, Deseret News)

(Megan Nielsen, Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — Former President Donald Trump announced his endorsement for Congresswoman Celeste Maloy’s re-election in Utah’s 2nd Congressional District Monday, with the primary election just over one week away.

The former president posted on his Truth Social platform that he thought Maloy a “great advocate for the wonderful people” of Utah’s 2nd Congressional District.

Maloy responded to Trump’s show of support with her own statement.

“I look forward to working with President Trump to advance the conservative agenda and strengthen America’s position as a world leader,” she said. “I am committed to working with conservatives to secure the border, stop the Biden spending spree and runaway inflation, and regain our energy independence.”

Maloy is the incumbent for the 2nd Congressional District spot after she won the special election in November 2023 to replace former Rep. Chris Stewart, who resigned.

Maloy’s endorsement follows another that Trump made for Utah’s primary election back in April for Trent Staggs, who is vying for the coveted senate spot replacing Sen. Mitt Romney. The former president’s election opinions will surely be tested during the primary after his recent felony conviction of falsifying business records to influence the election in 2016.

But the Trump’s guilty verdict will not be the only factor at play in the success or demise of his chosen candidates in Utah. Staggs took a backseat to incumbent Rep. John Curtis in polling and campaign funding, but in true MAGA fashion, Staggs was aggressive in accusations of wrongdoing on the debate stage.

On the contrary, Maloy was accused of giving in to the “Joe Biden-Chuck Schumer policy agenda”on her debate stage by challenger Colby Jenkins, which she quickly defended, explaining her voting strategy as one that gave her a seat at the “negotiating table.”

But Jenkins earned an endorsement of his own from Republican Sen. Mike Lee, and brought the senator with him on stage as he won 57%-43% against Maloy in the Utah GOP nominating convention, all but eliminating her.

The GOP primary vote will be held on June 25 in Utah.

KSL 5 TV Live

Politics & Elections

In this photo illustration, pennies are seen on a table on February 10, 2025 in New York City. U.S....

Jill Colvin, Associated Press

Trump says he has directed US Treasury to stop minting new pennies, citing rising cost

President Donald Trump says he has directed the Treasury Department to stop minting new pennies, citing the rising cost of producing the one-cent coin.

5 minutes ago

The Utah State Capitol is pictured in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025....

Allessandra Harris Gurr, KSL NewsRadio

Privilege tax may be added to the Point of the Mountain

A proposed bill may bring a privilege tax to the Point of the Mountain development.

2 hours ago

U.S. President Donald Trump, left, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau talk prior to a NATO ...

Jim Morris, Associated Press

Justin Trudeau reportedly says Trump’s talk of making Canada a US state is ‘a real thing’

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says President Donald Trump’s talk of making Canada the 51st state is “a real thing” and is linked to the country’s rich natural resources.

2 days ago

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, left, claps as Tesla and SpaceX CEO ...

Anthony Izaguirre associated press

19 states sue to stop DOGE from accessing Americans’ personal data

Nineteen Democratic attorneys general have sued President Donald Trump to stop Elon Musk’s DOGE from accessing Treasury Department records.

3 days ago

FILE: On the same day the Utah’s Senate unanimously passed a resolution to bring an NHL franchise...

Daniella Rivera

‘You are inviting rapists to Utah’: Survivor urges lawmakers to consider consent bill

Year after year, Utah lawmakers have resisted or ignored efforts to close what experts and advocates say is a gap in the state’s sexual assault laws. The lawmaker behind those efforts hopes this year will be different.

3 days ago

Over a thousand people filled the state Capitol rotunda Friday pleading for Gov. Spencer Cox to vet...

Shara Park

Thousands gather at Capitol Hill to protest against controversial union bill

Over a thousand people filled the Utah State Capitol rotunda Friday pleading for Gov. Spencer Cox to veto HB267.

3 days ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Donald Trump endorses Celeste Maloy for re-election ahead of GOP primary