Sen. John Curtis is brushing off a report that he is actively weighing a bid for the Utah governor’s race in 2028, telling the Deseret News on Tuesday those conversations would be a “long time away” and that he is focused on his current job as senator.
Politico’s Sam Benson reported this week that close allies of Curtis are gauging support for a potential run. But in a conversation with the Deseret News, Curtis said any decision right now would be premature.
“That race is so far out there,” Curtis said. “I have one goal, and that’s to be a good senator. And you’ll notice, nobody contacted me for that article. But for me right now, it’s all about being a good senator.”
Still, the door appears to be open. Curtis acknowledged that he has been approached with the idea of running for governor in 2028. One source familiar with the senator’s thinking told the Deseret News that Curtis is mulling the idea over — that he once laughed at — as more people approach him about it.
Later Tuesday, Curtis released a more formal statement saying he is happy in the Senate for now.
“It is a special privilege to represent Utahns in the United States Senate. I love my work here and am extremely grateful for it. Despite recent speculation, I am happy where I am and have not spent a minute on plans to leave this office for another,” he said. “Whether as mayor, a member of the House, or now in the Senate, I’ve never approached public service by planning my next move. I’ve focused on doing the job I was elected to do, and doing it well. That’s been my approach from the beginning, and it’s exactly where my focus and energy are today.”
Curtis’ 250-mile walk
Curtis is planning to complete a 250-mile walk in honor of the country’s 250th birthday, during which the senator said he would reflect on the history and legacy of the United States. While reports suggested he could spend that time considering a gubernatorial bid, Curtis shut that idea down in his conversation with the Deseret News.
“Nothing about this is contemplating my political future,” Curtis said. “That was never — I don’t know where that came from. This is all about celebrating (America) 250.”
Curtis will embark on the solo journey around the July Fourth holiday, walking 30 miles a day from northern Utah to finish in Provo, where he once served as mayor. The senator said that journey would “marry the themes of not just our country heritage, but our pioneer heritage.”
Those in Curtis’ circles, as well as the senator himself, said he is not looking for an escape hatch.
“The other thing that was, in my opinion, a little off is this kind of — this insinuation that I’m tired here. I’ve never once felt that way,” Curtis said. “I love this job. Ever since I made the decision — which was hard, you remember for me to do — I’ve had no doubt that I’m in the right place.”
The next governor’s race is not until 2028, and it could attract a crowded field of Republican candidates to replace Gov. Spencer Cox. The incumbent has said he would not run for a third term, leaving a wide open race.
Some other names being floated for the race include former Rep. Jason Chaffetz and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson. Others may also be considering a bid as the race gets closer.