The Associated Press on Wednesday afternoon declared Republican incumbent Sean Reyes the winner in the race for Utah’s attorney general.
Democrat Greg Skordas conceded to Reyes Tuesday night, though the race has not yet officially been called. At 4 p.m., Reyes had almost 61% of the vote, Skordas had 34%, and Libertarian Rudy Bautista had exactly 5%.
In a statement from his campaign, Reyes thanked voters for their support.
“Regardless of party or ideology, our state and nation are stronger when more of us educate ourselves on candidates and issues and participate in elections,” Reyes said. “No matter the outcome, hopefully we can remember those things that unite us as Utahns and Americans.”
Skordas had an unsuccessful run for attorney general in 2004, when he lost to Mark Shurtleff, the Republican incumbent at the time. He said he was running this time because he believes Reyes has put a “for-sale sign” on the attorney general’s office.
“I wish him the best of luck for the next four years,” Skordas said. “I hope he’s learned something from this. I doubt very seriously that he has, and I had hoped voters would hold him more accountable.”
Reyes has said he wants to continue his office’s work against white-collar crimes, human trafficking and other issues.
A Republican has been Utah’s attorney general for almost 20 years. Gov. Gary Herbert appointed Reyes to the position in 2013, after Reyes’ predecessor, John Swallow, resigned.
