Trump gives his backing to Staggs as potential successor to Romney in Senate

Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs as the candidate to fill Utah’s U.S. Senate seat soon to be vacated by Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, KSL reported.

As thousands of Republican delegates gathered in Salt Lake City for the state’s Republican convention, Trump’s endorsement of Staggs in a post on Truth Social kicked off the day.

“Trent Staggs is 100% MAGA, and is running to fill The Mitt Romney, a Total Loser, Seat as the next Senator from the Great State of Utah! A Highly Successful Entrepreneur, who has served brilliantly as Mayor of Riverton for the past six years, Trent knows how to Create Jobs, Stop Inflation, Grow the Economy, and Secure the Border,” Trump wrote.

“As your next Senator, Trent will help us Unleash American Energy, Support our Military/Vets, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment. Trent Staggs has my Complete and Total Endorsement — He will be a GREAT Senator and never let you down!”

Staggs, is one of the 10 Republican contenders for the Senate seat, according to KSL.

The convention is a battleground for several closely watched races, including the campaign for the 3rd Congressional District seat and Gov. Spencer Cox’s reelection bid.

The convention’s significance extends beyond individual endorsements, as it serves as a pivotal moment for candidates to secure their path to the primary ballot, KSL reported.

Utah election law provides two avenues for candidates: winning at least 40% of delegate votes or collecting a requisite number of verified signatures from registered voters.

Staggs, who entered the race prior to Romney’s announcement that he would not run for the seat again, has strategically positioned himself as the leading conservative voice in the Senate race. His approach, which includes endorsements from national conservative figures such as Trump and strong performances in GOP straw polls at county conventions, has set him apart from other contenders who are relying solely on signature collection.