Celeste Maloy Emerges Victorious in Utah After Legal Battle

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — U.S. Rep. Celeste Maloy has secured a narrow victory in the Republican primary for Utah’s 2nd Congressional District, following a recount and a legal challenge from her opponent, Colby Jenkins. The Utah Supreme Court dismissed Jenkins' lawsuit, which sought to include late-postmarked ballots, affirming Maloy's lead of just 176 votes after the recount. Chief Justice Matthew Durrant stated that Jenkins failed to demonstrate any noncompliance with state election laws. Maloy, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, is now the Republican nominee for the upcoming general election. She previously won a special election in November 2023 to fill the seat left by former Rep. Chris Stewart. Jenkins, who had received support from influential figures like Sen. Mike Lee and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, had initially defeated Maloy at the state GOP convention but could not overcome her in the primary. The primary race highlighted a divide within the Republican Party in Utah, with Maloy's victory marking Trump's only win in the state this election cycle. As she prepares for the November election against Democratic nominee Nathaniel Woodward, a family law attorney, Maloy aims to solidify her position in a district that has not elected a Democrat since 2013. She has pledged to work diligently for all constituents in the 2nd District, regardless of their primary affiliations.