John Curtis wins Utah’s U.S. Senate GOP primary to replace Mitt Romney

U.S. Rep. John Curtis claimed victory shortly after the polls closed on Tuesday night in the Republican primary election to succeed Mitt Romney in the U.S. Senate. Curtis’ win was a strong rebuke of Republican delegates, who overwhelmingly endorsed Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs over Curtis at April’s GOP state nominating convention.

According to unofficial early returns, Curtis leads delegate-favorite Trent Staggs 52.22% to 28.23%. Those numbers brought a big cheer from the several hundred Curtis supporters who stood in the sweltering heat in Provo to support the congressman.

Curtis became emotional as he praised his family during his victory speech at Provo’s Riverview Park.