Celeste Maloy, an upstart Republican candidate, has now reportedly won a special election to the 2nd District of the United States House of Representatives in Utah.
Former Republican Representative Chris Stewart, who served for a decade, tendered his resignation from Congress on September 15th, citing unspecified health issues affecting his wife.
In the general election, Maloy, who had received Stewart’s endorsement and worked as a member of his staff, defeated Democratic state senator Kathleen Riebe of the 15th District with 58% of the vote.
Maloy will be sworn into the 118th Congress to complete the term of Stewart, which was scheduled to conclude on January 3, 2025.
In order to maintain her position, Maloy will be required to run for re-election to her seat in 2024. By accepting her nomination, the House Republicans will increase their minority by one seat, from 213 to 222 as opposed to the Democrats’ 222.
Economic concerns dominated the campaign between Maloy and Riebe, with Maloy promising to reduce government expenditure and advocate for fiscal responsibility in office.
Prior to his 2018 election to the state Senate, Riebe was a member of the Utah State Board of Education. Her district encompasses urban regions in the Salt Lake City suburb of Sandy.
During his time in Congress, Maloy was Stewart’s principal legal counsel. He emerged victorious in a spirited primary and was elected as the district’s nominee.
Between April and November, she nearly $300,000 outraised her opponent Riebe, according to documents filed with the Federal Election Commission.
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