Sen. Romney gives first endorsement of 2024 to House District 3 Congressional Candidate

Stewart Peay, Candidate for Congress. Photo: Courtesy of Stewart Peay

SALT LAKE CITY – Senator Mitt Romney has given out his first political endorsement of 2024, naming District 3 Congressional candidate Stewart Peay as his preferred choice for Rep. John Curtis’ seat.

Curtis, who is running for Sen. Romney’s soon to be vacant seat, has represented Utah’s third congressional district since 2017.

Utah’s third congressional district covers all of Wasatch and parts of Summit County, including Park City.

“I am proud to support Stewart Peay for Congress in Utah’s third District,” said Senator Mitt Romney. “Stewart is a true American patriot who has served our country and community with distinction.”

“Whether as an Army Officer in Iraq or as Chairman of the Utah County Republican Party, Stewart has shown the kind of leadership we need in Congress. I am endorsing him because I know and trust him to be a principled and intelligent leader who will bring a valuable national security perspective to Utah’s delegation. He will be an effective member of Congress and is worthy of your support.”

Peay, a sixth generation Utahn, served in the Utah Army National Guard and was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom for 12 months beginning in 2003.

Upon his return, Peay began practicing commercial litigation, a profession he has been practicing for the past twenty years.

“I have known Senator Romney for 26 years and I appreciate he and Ann’s efforts to help my campaign,” said Peay.

“In Washington, Utah is best served by having principled and pragmatic leaders in our delegation. Earning Senator Romney’s endorsement in a crowded field will help primary voters know that I share their commitment to traditional values and a strong America.”

In an interview with the Townlift, Peay gave insights into his campaign efforts and what he hopes to accomplish if elected.

Peay shared three main goals he has if he is elected to Washington, which include establishing fiscal responsibility and achieving a balanced budget, establish foreign policy leadership, and build consensus and teamwork in Congress.

Peay spent 12 years in the military, rising to the rank of Captain. Additionally, he worked as a military intelligence officer, with assignments that took him to Russia.

Having served in an intelligence role in the military, Peay believes his skillset can be of value in Congress.

“I’ve had experience in both the Middle East as an Iraq War veteran and in the intelligence world, so I think I have a lot to offer to Congress from the veteran, former military intelligence world point of view,” Peay said.

Having spent his mission as a member of the LDS Church in St. Petersburg, Russia, Peay is also fluent in Russian.

Peay believes that his career in the military and skills gained throughout his professional life set him apart from the rest of the Republican candidates running for the seat.

“I’m the only veteran in the in the field, and I believe I’m the only candidate who has ever worked and lived in Russia,” Peay said.

“I have also spent my entire professional career here (in Utah). I’ve helped and represented numerous Utah companies in court, and I’ve helped them with legal issues they’ve had. I think my experience, both internationally and locally, sets me apart from everyone else in the race.”

If elected, Peay hopes to sit on either of the prestigious Intelligence or Armed Services Committees.

Peay’s professional career also extends to the political realm, as he was elected to serve as the chairman of the Utah County Republican Party.

In that role, Peay helped flip Utah’s fourth congressional district from Democrat to Republican, to which he believes highlights his team building skills.

Peay is currently one of five candidates running for Utah’s third congressional district’s open seat. More information on Peay and his campaign can be found on his website.