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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox officially backed the reelection effort of Rep. Celeste Maloy, R-Utah, on Tuesday, joining with Utah's three other representatives in supporting her over Republican challenger Colby Jenkins.
Cox's endorsement of Maloy was no surprise as he has supported her in the past and appeared at an election night party last November to celebrate Maloy's special election win to fill the seat of former Rep. Chris Stewart. Maloy is running for her first full term representing Utah's 2nd Congressional District.
"Utahns are tired of politicians bickering while our country faces big challenges at home and abroad that we need to solve," the governor said. "We don't want more Washington in Utah; we need to send more of Utah to Washington. That's why I stand with Celeste Maloy. She shows up for Utah, fighting to protect our border and stop the reckless spending that is driving up the cost of everything from gas to groceries and even housing costs."
Maloy praised state leadership in a statement, calling for more "Utah conservatism" in the nation's capital.
"Washington, D.C., needs to take note of the abundant benefits of a conservative budget, investment in infrastructure, energy production and smart lands management that are hallmarks of Utah conservatism," she said. "I am committed to bringing Utah values to Congress as we work to advance a conservative agenda."
It's the latest in a string of endorsements for Maloy, who was backed by former President Donald Trump on Monday and is supported by her three colleagues in Utah's House delegation: Reps. John Curtis, Blake Moore and Burgess Owens, all Republicans.
Jenkins, a combat veteran, was endorsed by Utah Sen. Mike Lee the day before the GOP nominating convention in April — which likely helped him win the delegate vote. Maloy cleared the 40% threshold with delegates, forcing a primary on June 25 for the Republican nomination.
