Several Utah lawmakers announce 2026 campaign plans, setting up legislative shakeups

As Utah heads toward the 2026 election cycle, a wave of announcements from state lawmakers is beginning to reshape the political landscape. Some legislators are preparing for another run, others are eyeing new roles, and several are stepping away entirely—setting the stage for a series of competitive races and leadership changes on Capitol Hill.

Rep. Doug Fiefia eyes Sen. McCay’s senate seat

Freshman Representative Doug Fiefia announced this week on X that he will not run again for his House seat, representing Herriman, Riverton and South Jordan. Instead, he plans to pursue a seat in the Utah senate.

Fiefia will be challenging incumbent Senator Dan McCay for District 18. McCay, who has already served two terms, has stated he intends to run again.

Changes to GOP leadership team

Representatives Karen Peterson and Mike Kohler each announced this week they will not seek re‑election in 2026. Their departures open two additional seats in the House and will contribute to changes within the GOP leadership team. Peterson and Representative Bridger Bolinder are both set to leave next year, creating further shifts in internal party dynamics.

One House race could represent the battle over union power

Another race is already taking shape: Scott Stephenson, Executive Director of the Utah Fraternal Order of Police, says he plans to run for the Utah House seat for District 44, which is a challenge to Representative Jordan Teuscher. Teuscher was in the spotlight a lot in the past year, as the sponsor behind a controversial bill that proposed to ban collective bargaining for public sector employees.

In the end, the legislature chose to reverse the law in the special session. The Teuscher/Stephenson showdown could boil down to whether the constituents in that district value empowering unions to speak for its members.

Other legislators resigning sooner

Beyond the regular election cycle, Utah is also preparing to fill the seats of two house representatives who are resigning early. Representatives Matthew Gwynn and Tyler Clancy have announced they will leave office right after the upcoming legislative session ends in March.

Rep. Clancy was tapped by the Governor in October to serve as the state’s homeless coordinator. Meanwhile, Rep. Gwynn stated he has to step down to take care of his daughter who suffered serious injuries in a car accident in September. Former Congressman Rob Bishop has already announced his intention to run for Rep. Gwynn’s open seat.

More announcements are expected in the coming months as candidates finalize their plans and prepare for what could be a dynamic election season. Candidates can file to run for state legislative seats between Jan. 2 and Jan. 8.

Other lawmakers who have already announced plans not to run for reelection include Representatives Karianne Lisonbee, Sandra Hollins, Carol Spackman Moss and Christine Watkins.