Republican John Curtis wins open U.S. House seat in Utah

(Image credit: Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty Images)

published 8 November 2017

Democrats had a heady election night on the East Coast on Tuesday, but in the race to replace retired Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), the Republican won. Provo Mayor John Curtis handily beat two other candidates — Democrat Kathryn Allen and third-party centrist Jim Bennett, a son of former U.S. Sen. Bob Bennett — in a district where Republicans outnumber Democrats five to one. None of the candidates voted for President Trump, but Curtis said he supports much of Trump's agenda. He also promised to serve all his constituents.

"If you're not white, Mormon, or male, I am still here for you," said Curtis, 57, in his victory speech. "Those who know me best know that it doesn't matter if you're 9 or 90, rich or poor, gay or straight, Mormon or atheist, Navajo or Caucasian." Allen, a doctor, had jumped in to challenge Chaffetz before he unexpectedly stepped down. Curtis will have to run again in 2018.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.