Mike Kennedy emerged victorious in the Republican primary for Utah’s 3rd Congressional District, securing the party’s nomination to succeed Rep. John Curtis. Kennedy’s win positions him as the frontrunner for the seat in the upcoming November election, where he will face off against Democratic candidate Glenn Wright.
The primary race was competitive, with Kennedy triumphing over JR Bird, John Dougall, Case Lawrence, and Stewart Peay. Kennedy, a state senator, had previously clinched the party’s nomination in April but faced a tough challenge from other contenders who had gathered signatures to appear on the ballot. Peay, endorsed by Sen. Mitt Romney, was among Kennedy’s rivals, while Kennedy received support from Sen. Mike Lee, who highlighted his ability to combat the status quo in Washington.
During the campaign, the candidates discussed key issues such as military aid to Ukraine and federal abortion policies. While Peay, Dougall, and Lawrence advocated for continued support to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, Bird and Kennedy proposed alternative approaches, favoring stricter sanctions and the seizure of Russian assets instead.
Looking ahead to the general election, Kennedy is expected to have a strong advantage in the predominantly Republican district, which has consistently voted for GOP candidates for over two decades. His opponent, Democrat Glenn Wright, will face an uphill battle to secure the seat in a district with a long history of supporting Republican representatives.
In other primary races across the state, Republican Governor Spencer Cox successfully fended off a challenge from Phil Lyman, who has voiced skepticism about the results of the 2020 election. Cox, a prominent critic of former President Trump within the GOP, maintained his position as the party’s nominee, signaling a continued divide within the Republican Party in Utah.
As the campaign season progresses, Kennedy’s victory in the Republican primary sets the stage for a closely watched race in Utah’s 3rd Congressional District. With contrasting views on key policy issues and a competitive general election on the horizon, the outcome of this race will be pivotal in shaping the political landscape of Utah and the broader national conversation.