John Curtis

John R. Curtis is an American politician currently serving as the junior United States senator from Utah. A member of the Republican Party, he began his Senate term in 2025 after previously representing Utah's 3rd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2017 to 2025. Curtis has a background in local government, having served as the mayor of Provo, Utah, from 2010 to 2017. Throughout his political career, he has been recognized for his moderate Republican stance and has been involved in various legislative initiatives, including those focused on climate change and civil rights.

Early life and career

John Curtis was born on May 10, 1960, in Ogden, Utah. He is the son of Jesse Duckworth "Dee" Curtis and Hazel Dawn Curtis (née Ream), who married in 1955. Curtis grew up in Utah and attended Skyline High School, where he met his future wife, Sue Snarr. He pursued higher education at Brigham Young University, earning a degree in business management. Following his graduation, he worked for notable companies such as OC Tanner and the Citizen Watch Company. In 2000, he became the Chief Operating Officer of Action Target, a company based in Provo, Utah.

Curtis's initial foray into politics occurred in 2000 when he ran for the Utah State Senate as a Democrat, although he was unsuccessful in that election. He garnered 33% of the vote against his opponent, Curt Bramble, who received 66%. Following this, Curtis served as vice chairman and then chairman of the Utah County Democratic Party from 2002 to 2003, marking his early engagement in local political structures.

Senate tenure

Curtis's political career took a significant turn when he was elected mayor of Provo in 2009. He won the election with 53% of the vote, campaigning on a platform that emphasized safety, prosperity, and unity. His tenure as mayor was marked by a focus on economic development, revitalization efforts for downtown Provo, and initiatives aimed at improving air quality and recreational opportunities. Curtis was re-elected in 2013 with a substantial majority, receiving 86% of the vote. He chose not to seek a third term in 2016, concluding his mayoral service with a high approval rating.

In 2017, Curtis transitioned to federal politics by winning a special election to represent Utah's 3rd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. He announced his candidacy on May 25, 2017, and secured the Republican nomination in August. Curtis was sworn into office on November 13, 2017, and completed Jason Chaffetz's term, subsequently winning re-election three times during his congressional career.

Curtis's congressional tenure included a notable engagement with his constituents, as he held over 100 town hall meetings, including innovative formats such as a "walking town hall" to the summit of Mount Timpanogos. His approval ratings among constituents were relatively high, with reports indicating he had the second-highest approval rating among Utah's congressional representatives by late 2019.

In the 2024 election, Curtis successfully ran for the U.S. Senate, succeeding Mitt Romney. He is currently serving in the Senate, with his term set to end on January 3, 2031.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his legislative career, Curtis has been characterized as a moderate Republican. He has been involved in various initiatives that reflect a centrist approach within his party. Notably, he founded the Conservative Climate Caucus, which aims to address climate change through conservative principles. Additionally, he was a member of the Republican Governance Group, a coalition of centrist Republicans.

Curtis's voting record has shown a mix of alignment with party leadership and independent stances. During Donald Trump's presidency, he voted in line with Trump's preferred positions approximately 94.4% of the time, although he has also expressed criticism of the former president on certain occasions. For instance, he voted against both articles of impeachment against Trump in December 2019, describing the decision as straightforward. However, he later called for censure following the events of January 6, 2021, while ultimately voting against Trump's second impeachment.

In terms of electoral integrity, Curtis did not support the Texas v. Pennsylvania lawsuit that contested the results of the 2020 presidential election. He voted to certify the electoral results from Arizona and Pennsylvania during the 2021 Electoral College vote count.

Curtis has also taken positions on civil rights legislation. In 2021, he co-sponsored the Fairness for All Act, which aimed to prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity, presenting it as a Republican alternative to the Equality Act. His legislative focus reflects a blend of traditional conservative values with an openness to contemporary social issues.

As a senator, Curtis's work continues to evolve, with ongoing involvement in various committees and legislative initiatives that align with his political philosophy and the interests of his constituents in Utah. His career trajectory from local government to the U.S. Senate illustrates a commitment to public service and engagement with the political process at multiple levels.