By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News
Following the municipal action in 2025, the focus of elections now shifts to the 2026 midterms. As of Friday, Jan. 2, the candidate filing period for state and local elections is now open, closing on Thursday, Jan. 8 at 5 p.m. for qualified political party candidates.
Unaffiliated candidates will have additional time: their filing period closes on Monday, Jan. 15 at 5 p.m., and they must submit certificates of nomination the same day.
State elections:
At the state level, the primary focus in 2026 is the Utah House of Representatives, with seats in both House Districts 67 and 69 up for grabs. In House District 67, longtime Rep. Christine Watkins has announced she will not seek reelection, creating an opening in the district.
In District 69, incumbent Rep. Logan Monson announced Monday that he had officially filed for reelection.
Also up for election in 2026 is a seat on the state Board of Education, District 14, which covers Beaver, Carbon, Emery, Grand, Juab, Millard, Sanpete, Sevier, and a portion of Iron and Utah Counties.
Local elections:
Several positions in Carbon County are scheduled for this year’s election. This includes:
- One County Commissioner/Surveyor for a term of four years.
- One County Commissioner for a term of four years.
- One County Attorney for a term of four years.
- One County Clerk/Auditor for a term of four years.
- One County Sheriff for a term of four years.
In addition to the county office races, Carbon County also has openings on the local school board, with four-year openings in District Four (Castle Heights North, North East Price, North Price and Castle Heights) and District Five (Wellington, East County and East Carbon).
Emery County sees a similar makeup of races for 2026. The midterm cycle sees openings:
- Two County Commissioners for a term of four years.
- One County Attorney for a term of four years.
- One County Clerk/Auditor for a term of four years.
- One County Sheriff for a term of four years.
- One County Recorder for a term of two years
- One County Treasurer for a term of two years.
Emery County also has openings on the local school board, with positions available in District Four (Huntington West #9 and Elmo #11) and District Five (Emery #1, Cleveland #10, and Green River #12).
Federal elections:
Due to the state’s ongoing redistricting battle, the state legislature, via SB2001, moved the filing period for candidates seeking office in one of Utah’s four congressional districts to March 9 through March 13, 2026. SB2001 also allows candidates for these offices to begin gathering signatures before the filing period.
Those interested in running should contact their local clerk/auditors office for more information.