In 2026, 10.4% of the state legislative incumbents running for election in Utah will face primary contests, the smallest share in the most recent four cycles and below the average of 12.1% each cycle between 2010 and 2024.
In total, eight incumbents face contested primaries across the Utah House and Senate. The average number of incumbents contested each election cycle since 2010 was nine. Two of the contested incumbents are Democrats and six are Republicans.
Utah has 22 contested state legislative primaries in 2026, the same number as the preceding cycle and above the average of 16 since 2010.
Six of those primaries are for Democrats, a record high since 2010. Sixteen primaries are for Republicans, down from 20 in 2024 and 2022.
In total, 188 major party candidates—85 Democrats and 103 Republicans—filed to run. All of the state’s 75 House seats and 15 of 29 Senate seats are up for election. Fourteen of those seats are open, meaning no incumbents filed. The average number of open seats each election year from 2010 to 2024 was also 14.
Utah has the longest-running trifecta, where Republicans have controlled the state government since 1985. Republicans currently have a 61-14 majority in the House and a 22-6-1 majority in the Senate.
Utah’s state legislative primaries are scheduled for June 23.