The district is a Republican stronghold. Former President Trump won the district with over 56% of the vote in 2020 and Curtis won by over 45% in 2022.
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“I come from a poor background, a single parent family, a kid in the best school with a weak lunch and I’ve never had anything else,” Kennedy said. “For a guy like me to not only have the ability to get an education, but also serve the other people in the wonderful state of Utah. . . I’m very inspired by the other people in the wonderful state of Utah. They’re exceptional people. “
(Kim Raff/Bloomberg Getty Images)
Kennedy, a family doctor and lawyer, ran for the U. S. Senate in 2018 in the Beehive State against Mitt Romney. Kennedy won the maximum vote at the Utah Republican State Convention, but was ultimately defeated by Romney in the Republican primary.
During his tenure in the Utah State Senate, Mike Kennedy helped pass legislation to fight COVID-related mandates and minor transgender surgeries. (Fox and Friends/Screenshot)
However, Kennedy tells Fox News Digital that there is no disagreement. “The infighting within the party is more self-centered than altruistic,” Kennedy said. He also said he would “work with whoever has a smart idea, who is willing to take a look at the long term and make it better for all of us. “
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During his time in the Utah state Senate, Kennedy helped pass legislation fighting COVID mandates and transgender minor surgeries. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, Kennedy returned to his role as a family doctor, spending months caring for patients and conducting his own research on COVID-19.
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“The COVID crisis, and being a normal doctor treating illnesses, was a smart position for me,” Kennedy said. “In terms of the reaction that the state of Utah has had to provide, we can balance the significant issues similar to physical fitness and the preservation of life, without destroying livelihoods. “
Roosevelt Mayor Rod Bird Jr. is also running for Utah’s third district. Former Utah state Rep. Chris Herrod and state auditor John Dougall are running. The primary election will be held on June 25 and the general election on November 4.
Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.
Lacey Christ is a producer for Fox News @ Night.