Utah Senator John Curtis emerges as a bipartisan bridge in a split Senate

After filling Mitt Romney’s seat, Utah’s John Curtis chose a middle path, refusing to serve as a Trump rubber stamp while also not constantly opposing the president. He cultivates bipartisan relationships, exemplified by an impromptu elevator pitch to Elizabeth Warren that sparked a housing-policy idea, and a partnership with Democrat Mark Kelly on social-media reform. Curtis has teamed with John Hickenlooper on the Fix Our Forests Act, a bill that enjoys bipartisan backing and is close to a vote.

Senate leaders praise his ability to advance Republican priorities, such as energy dominance, while still negotiating with Democrats on issues like cybersecurity and disaster response. His willingness to occasionally break with Trump, as seen in votes on the filibuster and certain nominations, has earned him trust from both sides, positioning him as a potential go-to negotiator as senior bipartisan senators retire.