Full Breakdown
John Curtis Mulls 2028 Utah Gubernatorial Bid
5/12/2026, 5:29:41 AM
Exploratory Campaign Activities
Sen. John Curtis (R-UT) is gauging support for a 2028 gubernatorial bid, with reports of donor canvassing aimed at $10 million in pledges. Chief of staff says Curtis will serve where Utah voters want him.
Political Background and Recent Senate Tenure
Curtis succeeded Mitt Romney in the Senate in 2025 after three House terms, where he founded the Conservative Climate Caucus and passed 27 bills. He missed a seat on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
Key Players and Potential Primary
Chief of staff Corey Norman is Curtis’s spokesperson. Former Rep. Jason Chaffetz is building a PAC and courting donors. Gov. Spencer Cox will not run for a third term, and Romney allies urge Curtis to stay in the Senate.
Timeline of Recent Developments
2024: Romney retires; Curtis wins Senate seat.
2025: Curtis begins term.
May 2026: Donor canvassing for a 2028 run reported.
July 4 2026: Curtis plans a 250-mile walk ending in Provo.
2028: Gubernatorial election.
Data and Statistics
Curtis’s exploratory team seeks $10 million in donor pledges. He won 50 % of the vote in the 2024 House primary and passed 27 bills in three terms. Curtis could keep his Senate seat while running and would appoint his successor from three legislative options if elected governor.
Official Statements and Responses
Chief of staff Corey Norman told POLITICO Curtis “hasn’t said yes, he hasn’t said no,” and highlighted his problem-solving style and suitability as governor. Norman asked donors to pause support for other candidates. Gov. Spencer Cox confirmed he will not seek a third term.
Criticism and Opposition
Romney allies call the early speculation “pretty early…way too early” and urge Curtis to finish his Senate term. The MAGA base sees him as “one of the four squishiest Republicans” and “basically Mitt without the stature.” Critics note Chaffetz’s early donor outreach could force a rushed primary.
Verbatim Quotes
- “John Curtis is going to serve where the people of Utah want him to serve,” — Corey Norman, Chief of Staff
- “He doesn’t love being in the Senate,” — Utah Republican operative (anonymous)
- “Trump’s MAGA base sees him as one of the four squishiest Republicans. He’s basically Mitt without the stature.” — Utah Republican operative (anonymous)
- “He is an executive problem solver at heart, and in my opinion, he would make an exceptional governor.” — Corey Norman, Chief of Staff
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Sources describe Curtis as a moderate “Reagan Republican” and occasional Trump critic, yet VoteHub shows a 100 % Trump alignment in 2025, creating a contradictory picture. The amount of donor pledges toward the $10 million goal remains undisclosed, and it is unclear how a simultaneous Senate campaign would be managed if he runs for governor.
What’s Next
Curtis will start a 250-mile solo walk across Utah, ending in Provo on July 4 2026, to reflect on a possible run. The donor-pledge drive continues toward $10 million, and both Curtis and Chaffetz are expected to file campaign paperwork as the 2028 election nears.
