Salt Lake County GOP majority at stake in November election
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Republican control of the Salt Lake County Council is at risk with three GOP-held seats up for grabs this November.
Why it matters: Democrats have an opening to influence major budget and policy decisions in the deep-red state's most populous county
State of play: Republicans currently hold a slim 5-4 majority.
- At-large County Council Member Laurie Stringham, who was elected in 2020, was defeated by Republican challenger Kathleen Anderson at the GOP convention in April.
- Anderson, a small business owner, faces Democrat Zach Robinson, a former Sandy City Council Member, and Constitution Party candidate Gregory Beglarian, who has worked as a school bus driver for the past decade, for the seat.
Zoom in: Voters will also weigh in on three other district races, including two open seats left by outgoing council members Aimee Winder Newton (District 3) and Sheldon Stewart (District 5).
- Republican Mike Bird, director of administrative operations at the University of Utah Health, will go up against Democrat Luke Maynes, who serves on the Midvale Community Council, in the District 3 race.
- Democrat Sara Cimmers and Republican Traci Crockett, both realtors, are competing for District 5.
- Democratic Council Member Jiro Johnson, who was sworn in last year, is seeking to be elected to his first full term on the council against Libertarian Casey Poe for District 1.
The big picture: Democratic candidates are prioritizing affordable housing, conserving water and expanding child care services that Republicans cut last year.
- Republicans' platform includes improving public safety, lowering taxes and supporting small business owners.
Zoom out: Two of the county's top law enforcement officials, District Attorney Sim Gill and Sheriff Rosie Rivera, are seeking re-election.
- Gill, who has held the seat since 2011, faces his former deputy district attorney and Republican Kent Davis.
- Rivera, who was sworn in as the first woman sheriff in the state in 2017, will go up against Republican Shane Manwaring, a lieutenant with the Unified Police Department.
Salt Lake County Auditor Chris Harding, a Republican who was elected in 2022, faces Democrat Ali Cloward, a director at an accounting firm.
What's next: Mail ballots must be in the county clerk's possession by 8pm on Nov. 3.
- If you haven't received your mail ballot by Oct. 21, contact the county clerk's office.
- The last day for registered voters to request a replacement mail ballot is Oct. 28.
- Voters can track their ballot online.