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.

Utah Primary Election Watch 2026: Tourism Edition

SENATE

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.

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.

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.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

State House District 16 - Davis County

Why this matters: As a former Davis County Commissioner, Bob Stevenson has been supportive of the industry.

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.

COUNTY

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.

Millard County Commissioner Seat A

Why this matters: Kevin Morris is the former Tourism Director of Millard County and friend to the industry.

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.

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.

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.