Special election to replace Sen. Gene Davis after sexual harassment allegations

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Democrats are holding a special election to replace Sen. Gene Davis who is retiring early after allegations of sexual harassment from a former intern. 

Davis was elected to the Utah House in 1987, then the Senate in 1999, making him the longest-serving lawmaker now in the state Legislature.

In October, Senate President Stuart Adams said that an independent investigation, which he authorized, found that Davis’ interactions with the intern in question “more likely than not” violated Senate policies.

Utah’s Democratic Party announced the candidate filing is now open. Delegates will vote on who fills the seat for the interim six weeks in a special election scheduled Nov. 20.

Nate Blouin defeated Davis in the primary election to be the Democratic nominee for Senate District 13,  encompassing portions of South Salt Lake, Murray and Taylorsville. He’s the projected winner against Republican Roger Stout from Tuesday’s election.

Blouin said he intends to serve until his official term starts in January.

Our previous reporting:

• Salt Lake County Dems call for immediate resignation of Sen. Gene Davis
• Sen. Gene Davis to retire after sexual harassment investigation
• Senate President orders investigation after allegations of sexual harassment against Sen. Gene Davis
• ‘So no one else gets hurt:’ Utah Democratic Party pushes for Davis suspension
• Sen. Gene Davis suspended by Utah Democratic Party after accusations of sexual harassment

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