Utah state Rep. Karianne Lisonbee is gaining significant momentum in her primary challenge for Congress, securing endorsements from 37 fellow House Republicans in a show of conservative unity and growing frustration with incumbent Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah.
According to a press release, Lisonbee has been backed by House leadership and a majority of her GOP colleagues, along with five state senators, in what supporters describe as a strong vote of confidence in her conservative record and leadership.
"Karianne is the right choice to represent Northern Utah in Congress," her colleagues said in a joint statement, praising her "work ethic, integrity, and guiding principles" and calling her a "conservative champion who gets things done."
Lisonbee, a longtime Davis County resident and former Utah House majority whip, has built a reputation as a staunch conservative, earning high marks from pro-life and Second Amendment groups.
Her legislative record includes efforts to cut taxes, strengthen election security, and promote transparency in government.
"I've worked shoulder to shoulder with these friends as I've been a champion for life, the Second Amendment, balanced budgets, oversight, and transparency," Lisonbee said, expressing gratitude for the wave of support.
The endorsements come as Lisonbee challenges Moore in Utah's newly drawn 2nd Congressional District, a race increasingly shaped by intraparty tensions over redistricting.
Moore, a member of House GOP leadership, has faced criticism from some conservatives for his past involvement in a 2018 anti-gerrymandering initiative that ultimately contributed to a court-imposed map — one that could hand Democrats a rare congressional foothold in the state.
That controversy has fueled backlash among Utah Republicans, with some party leaders and grassroots activists blaming Moore for what they see as a costly political misstep.
Lisonbee and her allies have seized on the issue, arguing that stronger conservative leadership is needed to protect Republican representation.
Political observers note that while Moore remains a formidable incumbent — with endorsements from President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., according to Politico — the growing support for Lisonbee signals unrest within the GOP base.
The race is also drawing attention as part of a broader national debate over redistricting and party control of Congress.
Utah's shifting political landscape has become an early test case for how Republicans navigate internal divisions while facing increasing pressure from Democrats in competitive districts.
For Lisonbee, the message is clear: Northern Utah voters, she argues, deserve a representative who reflects their conservative values and local roots.
"Karianne is northern Utah's candidate," her campaign emphasizes — a contrast to critics who have branded Moore as out of step with the district.
With the primary approaching, Lisonbee's growing list of endorsements suggests the battle for Utah's 2nd District could become one of the most closely watched Republican contests in the state and a key indicator of where the party is headed.
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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