Utah’s new House delegation is set with race calls for Moore and Kennedy

The expected composition of Utah’s congressional delegation is now confirmed as The Associated Press called victory for Republican incumbent Reps. Blake Moore and Mike Kennedy late this week.

Moore is expected to return to Congress to represent the state’s new 2nd District after securing 50.26% of votes, about 8 percentage points ahead of Democratic candidate Peter Crosby. Kennedy is also set to represent the state’s 4th District after claiming 53% of votes, leading over Democrat Jonny Larsen, who got nearly 40% of votes as of Friday.

The races for the 1st and 3rd districts had already been called by the AP on election night for Democrat Ben McAdams, and incumbent Republican Rep. Celeste Maloy.

Republican incumbent Maloy wins as Moore, Kennedy lead in bids to return to U.S. House

Utah’s election results aren’t final until county and state canvasses are completed on Nov. 23.

Kennedy thanked Utah voters Thursday night on a social media post, saying he was humbled by their trust and grateful to be elected to his second term in Congress.

“I am determined to meet the challenges of the next two years head on. I will work with others when I can, stand firm when it counts, and never stop fighting for the people of Utah, and for our great country – the United States of America,” Kennedy wrote.

Larsen, who was vying for the 4th District seat, hasn’t conceded yet and said he remained optimistic. On a social media post, Larsen acknowledged AP’s call, but said that about 88,000 to 100,000 votes still need to be tallied and asked his followers to keep their eyes on the official Utah election results website. 

Moore’s campaign didn’t return a request for comment on Friday. However, he had already thanked voters for electing him on election night. 

“I’m incredibly grateful for the trust and support of the people of Utah’s 2nd Congressional District. It’s an honor to continue serving you in Congress,” he wrote on a social media post. “Americans want Washington to focus on making life more affordable and getting back to common sense governing. I’ll continue fighting for our community’s priorities.”

Crosby conceded on Thursday, also on social media, saying he wished Moore and his family “nothing but the best.”

“As his constituent, I hope he will take from this election a recognition that we, the people of Northern Utah, are not happy,” Crosby wrote. “We don’t need him pursuing leadership or committee assignments that advance his political career, we need him passing legislation that helps regular Utahns, and spending time here, in this district.”