Staff Reports
In a resounding victory for Republicans, voters in Utah elected Celeste Maloy as their new congresswoman in the state’s 2nd Congressional District. Maloy, a Republican strongly aligned with former President Donald Trump, defeated Democratic State Senator Kathleen Riebe in a race that showcased the district’s conservative values. The election adds strength to the House GOP’s already narrow majority.
🚨 JUST IN: Pro-Trump Candidate Wins Special Election For US House Seathttps://t.co/uiK8XJ0j58
— 🇺🇸🇺🇸Josh Dunlap🇺🇲🇺🇲 ULTRA-MAGA (@JDunlap1974) November 22, 2023
Maloy, who previously served as chief legal counsel for former Republican Rep. Chris Stewart, emerged as the clear winner, receiving 58 percent of the vote compared to Riebe’s 34 percent. She won in 12 out of the 13 counties in the district, with Riebe only finding support in the heavily Democratic Salt Lake City.
The victory can be attributed to Maloy’s connection with the predominantly conservative exurbanites of the district, thanks to her humble local upbringing. Furthermore, her vocal defense of President Trump and her support for federal abortion restrictions resonated with the large Mormon population in the district.
On the other hand, Riebe struggled to gain momentum throughout the campaign, facing challenges from left-wing activists who expressed discontent over issues such as Israel’s conflict with Hamas and President Joe Biden’s underwhelming performance. Riebe emphasized her desire to bring about change but failed to win over voters who were disgusted by the current state of the Republican Party.
During the campaign, Maloy faced scrutiny from local media when it was revealed that she was related to Cliven Bundy and Ammon Bundy, anti-government ranchers known for their standoff with federal officials over land disputes. Maloy distanced herself from their tactics but maintained her belief that states should have more control over federal lands within their boundaries.
Both the Utah GOP and the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) recognized the significance of the race and offered their support to Maloy. The Utah GOP contributed $20,000 to her campaign, while the NRCC praised her hard-earned victory and highlighted her commitment to conservative principles.
Overall, Celeste Maloy’s win in the Utah 2nd Congressional District represents a triumph for Republicans and their conservative agenda. Her victory solidifies the GOP’s power in the House and highlights the district’s unwavering support for President Trump and his policies. Maloy’s commitment to representing the people of Utah and her strong conservative values make her an ideal choice for the district’s constituents.
