On shaky ground…
The Republican primary race for Utah’s 2nd Congressional District is facing a recount as Trump-endorsed incumbent Celeste Maloy is only leading challenger Colby Jenkins by a mere 214 votes.
Unofficial results from Utah show that Maloy captured 53,748 votes – about 50.10% – compared to the 53,534 votes received by Jenkins, which amounted to 49.90% of all ballots cast. All counties have reported their results.
Utah state law says “if the difference between the number of votes cast for a winning candidate in the race and a losing candidate in the race is equal to or less than .25% of the total number of votes cast for all candidates in the race, the losing candidate may file a request for a recount.”
The development comes after Maloy received former President Trump’s “complete and total endorsement” against Jenkins, who is backed by Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee.
“Congresswoman Celeste Maloy is a great advocate for the wonderful people of Utah’s 2nd Congressional District!” Trump had written in a Truth Social post in mid-June. “Celeste is fighting to Secure the Border, Create Jobs, Restore American Energy Independence, Support our Military/Veterans, Defend Religious Liberty, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment.”
Maloy is the incumbent in the race after winning a special election last fall after Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah) resigned from the seat. (RELATED: Republican Wins Utah Special House Election)
Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, the state’s chief election officer, told reporters that the recount process may begin after the statewide canvass on July 22.
According to Fox News, Jenkins will have a week to file a formal request, and the recount must be conducted within a week of that submission. All ballots will be recounted, all uncounted ballots will be reexamined and election officials from each county will tabulate their results.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
