Sen. John Curtis, 16 months into his Senate term, is quietly exploring a 2028 run for Utah governor as advisers canvass donors and seek about $10 million in pledged support. Corey Norman, Curtis’ chief of staff, says the senator is keeping an open mind while Curtis retreats and plans a 250-mile solo walk across Utah to reflect. A potential primary against Jason Chaffetz would highlight ideological divisions within the state GOP and shape the early contours of the 2028 campaign.
Sen. John Curtis Quietly Weighs 2028 Utah Governor Bid as Allies Hunt $10M in Support
Sen. John Curtis — who took office just 16 months ago after replacing Sen. Mitt Romney — is privately exploring a bid for Utah governor in 2028, according to multiple people briefed on conversations inside his circle. An informal team of advisers and allies has been quietly canvassing donors across the state to test support and to secure roughly $10 million in pledged backing.
What’s Happening Now
Curtis’ chief of staff, Corey Norman, has publicly signaled that the senator is keeping his options open. "John Curtis is going to serve where the people of Utah want him to serve," Norman told POLITICO. Insiders say backers have urged potential donors to hold off on committing to other candidates while Curtis weighs his decision.
Why The Timing
The move is tied in part to former Rep. Jason Chaffetz’s early maneuvers. Since Gov. Spencer Cox announced he won’t seek a third term, Chaffetz has quietly been lining up support and shifting money from a federal PAC to a state PAC. A Curtis-Chaffetz primary would crystallize an intra-party contest between a more establishment, pragmatic Republican and a candidate aligned with Trump’s base.
“He hasn’t said yes, he hasn’t said no,”
— Corey Norman, chief of staff to Sen. John Curtis
Curtis’ Background And Calculations
A former mayor of Provo and three-term U.S. representative, Curtis is known as a pragmatic dealmaker. He founded the House Conservative Climate Caucus, was active on conservation policy and helped pass 27 bills during his House tenure. Yet several allies say he does not relish life in the Senate and has grown frustrated with Washington’s polarization.
While Curtis has bucked the Trump administration at times — including efforts to block certain nominees and to preserve clean energy tax credits in negotiations known informally as the "One Beautiful Bill" — VoteHub reported he voted in line with President Trump 100% of the time in 2025 before later supporting a reconciliation package that phased down some credits. He also did not secure a seat on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which is chaired by Utah Sen. Mike Lee.
Personal Reflection And Next Steps
Sources say Curtis recently took a retreat to pray and reflect and plans a 250-mile solo walk across Utah, finishing July 4 in Provo, to further consider his political future. An ad-hoc group in his circle hopes to lock in $10 million in donor commitments as a viability threshold.
If Curtis runs for governor he could legally retain his Senate seat while campaigning; state law would allow him to appoint a successor from options presented by the state legislature should he win. Some Utah Republicans welcome Curtis as an alternative to Chaffetz, while others have expressed frustration that discussions and leaks are happening so early in the cycle.
Outlook
With more than two years before the 2028 gubernatorial election, Curtis appears to be weighing political realities, personal preference for executive office, and donor appetite. Insiders say his decision will hinge on whether a clear pathway emerges — politically and financially — and on how strongly Utah voters signal their support.
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