Meet the Republican challengers lining up to oppose Sen. Mike Lee
By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb
The November 2022 election is 20 months away. But for political observers (aka junkies and hacks) it’s never too soon to start conjecturing about candidates. U.S. Sen. Mike Lee is certainly running for reelection, which is spurring real and potential opponents. We begin the gossip and review the early intrigue.
Pignanelli & Webb: The following individuals (in alphabetical order) have already announced their candidacies, or have told others they are considering a run, or are hearing “whispering in their ears” about seeking the 2022 GOP Senate nomination.
Rebecca P. “Becky” Edwards is a well-liked former member of the Utah House of Representatives, representing south Davis County from 2009 to 2018. Edwards has said she is “all in” and is moving forward with her campaign.
Henry Eyring is a very smart young political newcomer who holds a doctorate in business administration and has been teaching at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
His name is familiar because he is the grandson of President Henry Eyring of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Jeff Flake is former member of the U.S. Senate representing Arizona. He (yes, that Jeff Flake) is spending a great deal of time in Utah. Numerous sources are telling us that he is receiving pressure to run for the seat.
Dan Hemmert is a successful businessman and former effective state senator who now serves as director of economic development for Gov. Spencer Cox. He has served in his current job only a short time, but has been mentioned as a possible Senate candidate by numerous insiders.
Gary Herbert was, of course, an immensely popular governor who is likely enjoying retirement and his grandkids, but is being mentioned by his friends as perhaps still having some political fire in the belly.
Ally Isom is a well-respected communications, public policy and campaign expert, having worked as deputy chief of staff and spokesperson for Gov. Herbert. She held key positions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is currently chief strategy officer for EVOQ, a nanotech company.
Erin Rider is a hard-driving local attorney and MBA with degrees from Georgetown University. She specializes in corporate and securities law and has a commitment to “principled conservatism.” She appears to be moving forward with a campaign.
Brendan Wright is a Lehi resident who has announced his candidacy. He has advanced degrees and has worked at Motorola, ExxonMobil, Savage Resources, and currently works as an area planning manager for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Thomas Wright runs a successful real estate business and was the very effective chairman of the Salt Lake County and Utah state Republican parties. He was a candidate for governor in 2020 and arguably had the best and funniest TV ads — but the pandemic intervened to take the fun out of politics.
Mike Lee helped take out incumbent Sen. Bob Bennett in the state convention in 2010, and then defeated another solid Republican in the GOP primary. Is he himself vulnerable in 2022?
Pignanelli: Five years ago, high-profile Republicans were grumbling about Utah’s junior senator’s participation in the government shutdown. Serious threats percolated against his first reelection. Yet, Lee worked tirelessly to avoid the mistakes of his predecessor. Within six months he was unopposed in the convention and had secured enough petition signatures that his nomination was unanimously supported.
The new detractors face challenges. The incumbent is quietly raising money to finance the necessary media and grassroots operations. Furthermore, Lee enjoys an unmovable base inside the Republican Party.
As before, some Republicans are troubled with Lee’s style and rhetoric. But claims that Lee is too conservative or over strident will not resonate with the GOP faithful. His efforts and speeches pushing back against a Democrat controlled federal government will be embraced.
Lee is an outspoken, energetic, controversial persona who can articulate constitutional principles with amazing clarity. Consequently, he attracts disgruntlement and passionate support. Objecting to Lee’s approach is easy but constructing a campaign to oust him is enormously difficult.
Webb: Lee obviously causes discomfort within the moderate wing of the GOP, especially because of his support for former President Trump (although he differed with Trump on some issues). It is significant that a number of potential opponents are lining up this early in the election cycle.
But no one is going to sneak up on Lee like he did on Bennett 11 years ago. And Lee is likely saying, “Come on in. The more the merrier.” A large field of moderate candidates will split the centrist vote in a multi-candidate primary and allow Lee to waltz to victory with his strong conservative base.
What external forces could impact Utah’s primary and general elections in 2022?
Pignanelli: As in 2010, perceived overreach by a Democrat administration and Congress will be influential. The post-pandemic economy, China and Iran could be additional factors determining decisions by Utah’s electorate.
Webb: Trump is always a wild card. He will be a factor in 2022 and will likely support Lee — which will cut both ways but will be a net positive in Utah. If the Biden administration continues its leftward lurch and pushes bigger government, more regulation and higher taxes, Utah voters may want to send a conservative to go to battle in Washington, not someone who wants to get along with everyone.