Scoop: Salt Lake City mayoral field emerges as Mendenhall weighs third term
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Several prominent political figures are eyeing Salt Lake City's 2027 mayoral race, with one intending to run and at least three others exploring bids, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: The next mayor will lead the city through planning for the 2034 Winter Olympics, raising the stakes in the race to lead Utah's capital.
State of play: In a statement to Axios, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, who's led the city since 2020, confirmed she's "seriously considering" a third term.
- "I have not made a decision yet. Before I'm the mayor, I'm a mom, and I want to be sure my decision is ultimately in the best interests of both Salt Lake City and my family," she said.
Utah Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla told Axios she intends to run for mayor, which would make it her second bid for the office.
- "I'm not shy about being [on] a ballot with any other candidates," she said, adding that she's enthusiastic to jump into the contest.
Catch up quick: Escamilla lost to Mendenhall by about 16 percentage points in the 2019 mayoral election.
Salt Lake County Council Member Ross Romero, a former state lawmaker, confirmed to Axios he's weighing a run and has been taking meetings.
The big picture: Some potential contenders told Axios their decisions hinge on whether Mendenhall — who would be viewed as the frontrunner — seeks a third term.
- Former Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon told us he's weighing a campaign, but "... the big question is if Mayor Mendenhall is running again."
- Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson, who's been widely rumored to enter the race, said in a statement to Axios that she'll back Mendenhall if she runs again.
Yes, but: "If she decides not to run, I will thoughtfully consider whether a campaign for Salt Lake City mayor is the right next opportunity to serve our community," said Wilson, the daughter of former Salt Lake City Mayor Ted Wilson, who served between 1976 and 1985.
Between the lines: Salt Lake City Council Member Victoria Petro, whose name had been floated as a potential candidate, told Axios she thought about a bid but ultimately decided against it.
- "For me, the timing isn't right, but I do think the city really needs ... someone who can execute with excellence," she said.