Welcome to the 2026 Legislative Interim Session. This brief is a UTIA-member benefit. If there is interest in receiving this tracker please refer to becoming a member by clicking here. |
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Utah Primary Election Watch 2026: Tourism Edition |
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This edition of UTIA’s Legislative Brief provides a snapshot of key election results* and notable races we were watching across the state on behalf of the tourism industry.
*Results reported as of July 7th, 2026 |
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State Senate District 7 - Davis & Morgan Counties
Why this matters: Senate President Stuart Adams’ primary loss marks a significant leadership transition in the Senate. The Senate has frequently served as an equalizer to bills that have been unfriendly to the tourism industry.
As a note, Stephanie Hollist (Senate District 7 Republican Primary winner) will not serve as the next Senate President. The Utah Senate will select its next President through a special leadership election, after the November General election. |
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State Senate District 18 - Salt Lake and Utah Counties
Why this matters: Senator Dan McCay has served as the Senate Chair of the Revenue & Taxation committees, where bills regarding transient room tax, restaurant tax, property tax, and other industry relevant tax related bills are heard. |
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State Senate District 6 - Davis County
Why this matters: Senate District 6 is held by Senator Jerry Stevenson who is set to retire. Senator Stevenson has served as the Senate Alcohol Policy lead, guiding the annual alcohol omnibus bill. |
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State House District 16 - Davis County
Why this matters: As a former Davis County Commissioner, Bob Stevenson has been supportive of the industry. |
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State House District 69 - Emery, Garfield, Grand, Kane, San Juan, and Wayne Counties
Why this matters: While only in his second year at the Utah legislature, Representative Monson has been a friend to the industry particularly around the restaurant tax repeal bill this year. |
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Washington County Commissioner Seat B
Why this matters: Commissioner Victor Iverson represents the Utah Association of Counties (UAC) on the Utah Office of Tourism’s Board of Tourism Development. |
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Millard County Commissioner Seat A
Why this matters: Kevin Morris is the former Tourism Director of Millard County and friend to the industry. |
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Wayne County Commissioner Seat B
Why this matters: Commissioner Kerry Cook serves as a board member on the Outdoor Recreation Mitigation Grant Board, recently created with the increase to statewide transient room tax. |
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Rich County Commissioner Seat A
Why this matters: Mark Smoot is a highly valued UTIA Board member and tourism business owner. We applaud his strong campaign and all his efforts to give back to his community and Utah. |
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Beaver County Commissioner Seat A
Why this matters: Commissioner Tammy Pearson has been a strong voice for rural Utah at the State Capitol and serves as a board member on the Outdoor Recreation Grant Board, funded by the statewide transient room tax. |
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