Republican congressional candidate Mia Love talks with reporters during the Utah State GOP election night watch party Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Rep. Mia Love to rally with Mitt Romney as she defends seat

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Republican Utah Congresswoman Mia Love is hosting a campaign rally with the state’s beloved adopted son, Mitt Romney, as she gears up for the final months of a tight election race.

The rally at Friday night at Thanksgiving Point will also include more than 40 local elected officials.

Romney is running for the U.S. Senate seat left open by retiring Sen. Orrin Hatch. He was a high-profile critic of President Donald Trump in 2016, though the relationship is largely patched up now.

Many Utah voters have been ambivalent about Trump’s bombastic style and his comments on things like women and immigrants, and Love’s district includes the more political mixed Salt Lake City suburbs.

Democratic Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams is challenging her for the seat.