Tongan-American Republican Doug Fiefia has declared victory in Utah’s Senate District 18 election, thanking voters and supporters for securing his place in the state’s legislature.
The election was held on November 3 as part of the US midterm elections, which saw Democrats wrest control of both houses of Congress from Republicans. Fiefia, a Republican, contested Utah’s Senate District 18 after defeating incumbent Senator Dan McCay in the June primary.
In a Facebook statement following the election, Fiefia thanked voters, campaign volunteers and his family for their support.
“THANK YOU, Senate District 18! This victory belongs to you,” he wrote.
He acknowledged those who knocked on doors, made telephone calls, displayed campaign signs and encouraged others to support his candidacy.
“To every voter who trusted me with your voice. Thank you. We did this together,” Fiefia said.
He also paid tribute to his wife, Jocelyn, and their children for their sacrifices throughout the campaign.
“I’m humbled and honored to serve as your next State Senator,” he said.
“I’ll work every day to keep our families safe, our economy strong, and Utah a place where everyone has the chance to thrive.”
“The campaign is over. Now the work begins. Let’s go!”
Election results
Preliminary results published by The Salt Lake Tribune showed Fiefia receiving 11,542 votes, or approximately 55 percent, compared with Anderson’s 9,266 votes, or 45 percent.
The figures gave him a lead of 2,276 votes, although the results remained subject to official certification.
Fiefia’s election represents a significant development in the political representation of Americans of Tongan descent, particularly in Utah, which has an established Tongan and wider Pacific Islander community.
The Utah State Senate is part of the state’s legislature, responsible for passing state laws, approving budgets and overseeing government policies.
Unlike the United States Senate in Washington, DC, which deals with federal legislation, the Utah State Senate exercises legislative authority at the state level.
