Mixed Early Outcomes for LGBTQ+ and Equality Utah Endorsed Candidates in Utah Municipal Elections

Recent municipal elections in Utah have yielded mixed outcomes for candidates endorsed by Equality Utah and those identifying as openly LGBTQ+. Unofficial results reflect both strong leads and competitive races across various districts.

Openly LGBTQ+ Candidate Performance

In Midvale, newly appointed Mayor Dustin Gettel is projected to secure a full term with a commanding lead. Currently, Gettel has garnered 62% of the vote with 31 out of 34 precincts reporting.

In Helper City, Mayor Lenise Peterman, a two-term incumbent, leads her re-election bid, achieving 53.82% of the 615 ballots cast. Notable LGBTQ+ candidates in Salt Lake City are also performing well. Councilman Chris Wharton, a prominent figure in Utah’s LGBTQ+ political landscape, leads in District 3, capturing 44% in the first round and finishing with 50% in the final ranked-choice outcome. Erika Carlsen, running in District 5, holds a significant advantage with 66% of the vote.

However, not all races are favorable for LGBTQ+ candidates. Marcia White, an incumbent for Ogden City Council At-Large A, is trailing at 44.63%. Additionally, Jamie Steverson in Midvale is also falling behind in their contest for the District 5 council seat.

Equality Utah-Endorsed Candidates

Equality Utah’s endorsed candidates have shown strong early performances across the state, leading many mayoral and city council races. Highlights include:

• Gay Lynn Bennion leads in Cottonwood Heights with 56.45% of the votes.
• Paul Fotheringham in Holladay is ahead with 56.81%.
• Cherie Wood commands South Salt Lake with 65.79%.
• In Helper, Lenise Peterman is also leading at 53.82%.
• Park City’s Ryan Dickey is narrowly ahead, holding 50.03%, with a tight race ongoing.

Salt Lake County has displayed the strongest overall performance for Equality Utah-backed candidates, with many leading by significant margins:

• Victoria Petro in District 1 leads with 52%.
• Chris Wharton secures District 3 with 50% in the final ranked-choice tabulation.
• Erika Carlsen dominates District 5, achieving 66%.
• Sarah Young is unopposed in District 7, receiving 100% of the vote.

Other Election Updates

Additional results include:

• Rachel Whipple leading in Provo with 67.15%
• Bryant Brown winning in Midvale’s District 4 with 78.34%
• Ellen Birrell leading in Cottonwood Heights District 4 at 67.84%
• Lyndsay Longtin leading in Kearns District 2 with 58.23%
• Thom DeSirant ahead in Millcreek District 2 with 58.87%

Several endorsed candidates are currently trailing, including:

• Tara Chiasson at 44.85% in Big Water.
• Jamie Steverson at 29.89% in Midvale District 5.
• Marcia White trailing in Ogden’s At-Large A with 44.63%.

As canvassing continues, these preliminary results indicate that this electoral cycle may mark one of the most successful periods for the LGBTQ+ community in Utah’s municipal history. The final outcomes will be confirmed later this month as official counts are verified.