Elections 2026

As one Democratic hopeful’s internet past resurfaces, political observers say it’s a signal of Democratic politics in the state becoming increasingly “mean.”

Four Republicans are vying to win what is considered by many to be a blue seat. One political scientist says their only chance at winning is to run an issues-heavy campaign as close to the political center as possible.

The deadline for affiliated Utah voters to switch parties is April 1. This matters for voting in a closed primary, such as the GOP primary. For open primaries, voters don’t have to switch affiliation to participate.

Utah Democratic congressional hopefuls met at the downtown branch of the Salt Lake City Library to discuss issues like taxing the rich, the war in Gaza, Israel’s influence on the U.S. and income inequality.

Congressman Owens’ decision comes in the wake of Utah’s long-fought redistricting and a court-appointed map with a Democratic-leaning district. Owens unsuccessfully sued to stop the map.

The campaign to get a Proposition 4 repeal on the ballot has enough verified signatures — at least for now. Signers have a few weeks to remove names, and that could tip the scales in close Senate districts.

Trump used his State of the Union address to deliver an upbeat vision of the U.S. But it’s unclear whether that optimism will resonate with voters who are anxious about the economy.

This ruling comes days after the Utah Supreme Court dismissed a separate request to let the state keep using its 2021 congressional map.

Reps. Celeste Maloy and Burgess Owens are asking a federal court to block a new map that improves the chances of a Democrat winning a Salt Lake County-centric seat.

Third District Court Judge Dianna Gibson says until the Utah Supreme Court weighs in, there will be a “cloud” over the state’s 2026 midterm elections.

Utah lawmakers bought time to appeal the redrawn map in a special session, but they also created conditions that could have candidates thinking: “This is my chance to run against somebody. I don't have to necessarily wait in line.”

Emily Buss will serve out the remainder of Sen. Daniel Thatcher’s term in the Utah Legislature. Originally a Republican, Thatcher joined the Forward Party in March.