Senator Curtis
Since being sworn in as senator in 2025, Curtis has focused his efforts on the preeminent issues of our time for Utah and the country. Solving longstanding water and drought problems, bringing down the cost of living for hardworking families, and ensuring quality of life remains strong amid rapid growth are his top priorities for the state.
On the national front, the senator is working to tackle the burgeoning $40 trillion national debt; ensure an affordable, reliable, and clean energy future; hold China accountable; and protect the young and vulnerable online.
Before entering public service, Curtis was a small business owner. He and his wife, Sue, have been married for 44 years and reside in Provo, Utah. They have six children and 19 grandchildren.
Early Days
Senator Curtis was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. At a young age, he learned the value of community involvement from his parents. His mother was elected the first female president of the Granite School Board, and as a teenager he helped on her campaign by nailing flyers to telephone poles around the neighborhood. That experience inspired him to serve as Student Body President of Skyline High School during his senior year and set him on a lifelong path of hard work and public service.
After graduating high school, he served a two-year mission in Taiwan. Upon returning home, he married his high school sweetheart, Sue Snarr, studied business at Brigham Young University, and worked for the Citizen Watch Company, where he was named Salesman of the Year. He graduated from BYU and welcomed his first child in 1986.
early career
Senator Curtis’ business career took him to Virginia and California before he settled in Provo to build Action Target with his partners. What began as a small startup now produces tens of millions of dollars in revenue and employs hundreds of people. His professional background gave him practical experience leading through challenges, working with diverse viewpoints, and solving tough problems.
Mayor of Provo
Senator Curtis was elected Mayor of Provo in 2009 and served two terms, building a strong record of achievements that included transforming Downtown Provo into a thriving business center and finding new ways to engage the public. During his time in office, he earned a 94% approval rating and was named the “Top Elected Official on Social Media” in 2015. His leadership was recognized with awards including the Silicon Slopes Community Hero award, UVU’s Civic Innovator Award, and Utah Valley Magazine’s Person of the Year in 2017.
Serving Utah
When the 2017 special election for Utah’s 3rd congressional district was announced, then-Mayor Curtis entered the race to bring Provo’s success to communities across Utah.He was sworn in on January 13, 2017. Over the next seven years, he secured 28 pieces of legislation into law. His accomplishments include better public land management, combating human trafficking, and reducing burdensome regulations on small businesses. He founded the Conservative Climate Caucus and was ranked by the nonpartisan Center for Effective Lawmaking as the 5th most effective Republican member of Congress. In 2023, his office earned recognition as the best in Congress for constituent accountability and accessibility.
In 2023, Curtis was met with an outpouring of support from Utahns urging him to run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by then-Senator Mitt Romney.. Recognizing the critical moment for the nation and feeling a renewed sense of purpose, he launched his campaign in early 2024, and won a highly competitive four-way primary with nearly 50% of the vote. He went on to win the general election in November 2024 and was sworn in as Utah’s junior U.S. Senator on January 3, 2025.
Priorities
- Water and Drought: Solving longstanding water and drought problems by championing innovative conservation strategies, protecting vital resources like the Great Salt Lake, and securing Utah’s long-term water independence.
- Affordability, Jobs, and Growth: Bringing down the cost of living for hardworking families and ensuring Utah remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family amid rapid growth.
- Budget and Debt: Tackling the burgeoning $40 trillion national debt by pushing for balanced budgets, restoring order to the appropriations process, and speaking truth on the imminent insolvency of entitlement programs.
- Foreign Policy and Defense: Ensuring America maintains its position as the global leader by holding China accountable; mitigating threats from geopolitical adversaries like Russia, Iran, and North Korea; and bolstering relationships with allies and partners.
- Energy and Environment: Advancing American energy solutions that unleash U.S. clean fuels, strengthen the economy, enhance national security, ensure energy independence, and reduce global emissions.
- AI, Social Media, and Consumer Safety: Strengthening America’s competitiveness in innovative technologies while protecting children and youth from the growing harms of social media and AI use.
In Unity There Is Strength
Senator Curtis has been married to his wife, Sue, for 44 years. Together, they have six children and 19 grandchildren. Their family motto—“In Unity There is Strength”—continues to guide how he serves, works, and lives.
Graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management
Built Action Target in Provo
Named “Top Elected Official on Social Media.”
Named Utah Valley Magazine’s Person of the Year.
Sworn in on January 13 as U.S. Representative for Utah’s 3rd District.
Passed 28 pieces of legislation into law.
Founded the Conservative Climate Caucus.
Office recognized as best in Congress for constituent accountability and accessibility.
Sworn in on January 3 as Utah’s U.S. Senator.
Ranked the 5th most effective Republican in Congress by the Center for Effective Lawmaking.