The race to represent Utah in the United States Senate got more exciting when Congressman John Curtis officially threw his hat into the ring earlier this month.

Since winning a special election in 2017, Representative Curtis has secured seats on two of the most powerful committees in Congress, the House Energy & Commerce Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee. He was also recently named one of the top ten most effective Republican members of Congress.

Perhaps most importantly, Representative Curtis has established himself as a thought leader by understanding the importance of not shying away from issues that Democrats have “owned” in recent years – such as protecting our natural environment.

Inspired by his faith, Representative Curtis knows that we have a responsibility to steward the earth. That’s why he founded the Conservative Climate Caucus – a group in which more than 80 Members can now learn more about the issue and pro-innovation, limited-government solutions. The environment was once a taboo subject for Republicans on Capitol Hill, but now the Conservative Climate Caucus has six outspoken vice-chairs.

Throughout his engagement on climate, Representative Curtis has stuck to his conservative bona fides. He passionately supports an all-of-the-above energy approach and understands the role of fossil fuels in our energy mix, both to ensure reliable energy and to support traditional energy communities. He wants industry to lead the conversation, not be alienated from it.

This has endeared Representative Curtis to young conservatives throughout the country. After all, more than 80 percent of young Republicans believe climate change is a challenge that requires action, and Representative Curtis provides a uniquely conservative vision for a party that has a youth problem. In 2022, youth turn-out reached record highs, but those voters broke for Democrats by approximately 30 points. Representative Curtis has charted a path forward that inspires younger voters, something the Republican Party desperately needs.

All of these qualifications clearly demonstrate that Representative Curtis is ready to be Utah’s next senator. We have no doubt that he would continue the strong legacy of conservative leadership from Utah senators and help the movement appeal to younger Americans.

— Steve Handy, Utah director for The Western Way; and Chris Barnard, president of the American Conservation Coalition Action

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