State Rep. Karianne Lisonbee is set to challenge House Republican Conference vice chairman Rep. Blake Moore in Utah’s Second Congressional District. This primary challenge stems from a recent redistricting process that prevented Moore’s colleague, Burgess Owens, from seeking re-election.
Utah's independent redistricting commission has redrawn the map, creating a Democratic-majority Fourth Congressional District centered around Salt Lake City. Owens, who represented the Fourth District, attempted to block the new maps in court but was unsuccessful.
Lisonbee, a member of Utah’s legislature since 2017, criticized Moore for allegedly aligning with the left and undermining Republican interests. She accused Moore of collaborating with Democrats and activist judges, jeopardizing key issues such as border security and tax cuts.
In response, Moore defended his position, stating that the redistricting commission, which he co-chaired, has shifted focus towards creating a blue district, which he considers gerrymandering. He emphasized the commission's original bipartisan mission to advise on redistricting reforms while respecting the Legislature's role.
A spokesperson for Moore dismissed Lisonbee's claims as misleading, highlighting Moore's efforts in maintaining the Republican majority and working closely with former President Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson on various legislative initiatives.
With Democrats holding a slight advantage in polls for the upcoming midterms, House Republicans face a challenging path to retaining their majority. Moore, currently representing Utah’s First District, will compete against Lisonbee in the primary, with the winner expected to be strongly positioned to secure victory in the deeply conservative district in the general election.
Lisonbee, declaring her candidacy, emphasized her conservative record in the legislature, highlighting her stances on pro-life issues, immigration, Second Amendment rights, tax cuts, and fiscal responsibility.
Lisonbee is anticipated to vie for the GOP nomination at the state convention on April 25.
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