Utah Senate President Stuart Adams fought unsuccessfully to hold his seat in the state’s 7th Senate District, against Republican primary winner Stephanie Hollist, a Fruit Heights attorney.
Adams conceded the race less than two hours after polls closed Tuesday. Hollist was leading with 42% of the vote, with Adams at 35% and Braden Hess at 22% as of 10 p.m. Tuesday, according to election results published by Davis County.
“I congratulate my opponent on their victory and wish them every success as they continue the important work serving the people of Utah,” Adams said in a statement.
Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz reacted to the win Tuesday, saying Utah is “better because of his leadership.”
“Many Utahns may never fully appreciate the scope of his impact because so much of his work was done quietly, thoughtfully, and with a focus on long-term results rather than short-term recognition,” he said. “From transportation and economic development to water and energy, he has helped shape decisions that will benefit Utah for generations. He has been a trusted partner, a visionary leader, and a good friend. I’m grateful for his service, his commitment to the people of Utah, and the lasting impact he has had on our state.”
Adams received criticism during his campaign from opponents and voters over his support of a data center, known as the Stratos Project, in Box Elder County — a project that more than half of Utahns oppose.
While Adams said the center will help Utah’s data infrastructure and provide critical jobs, critics worried about its impact on the environment and the lack of transparency around approval of the project.
But the data center wasn’t the only thing that made Adams’ reelection bid difficult.
A national super PAC, Make Liberty Win, spent more than $100,000 on mailers, texts online ads and more to oppose Adams candidacy.
Tuesday’s election was the first time in years that Adams faced serious competition. In 2022, he was unopposed in the Republican primary and he faced a 3rd party candidate in the general election.
Adams’ loss will end his term as the longest-serving Senate president in Utah’s recent history.
Hollist will face off against Democratic candidate Garret Rushforth and Jeffrey Ostler from the Constitution Party in the November general election.
Adams full statement was as follows:
“Throughout my years in public service, I have worked to champion policies that have strengthened Utah, supported businesses, helped working families and benefited Davis County and communities across our state. While campaigns come and go, I’m proud of all that we have accomplished together and of the progress we have made on behalf of the people we serve.
“I am profoundly grateful to the senate staff, supporters, friends and especially my family, who have stood by me every step of the way. Their sacrifice and support have meant more than words can express.
“I congratulate my opponent on their victory and wish them every success as they continue the important work of serving the people of Utah. My hope is that our great state will continue to lead the nation and remain the number one state in America, a place where families thrive, businesses prosper and opportunity abounds for future generations.
“Serving the people of Utah has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I will always be grateful for the trust placed in me and for the opportunity to represent this remarkable state. My love for Utah and my commitment to its future remain as strong. May God continue to bless the people of Utah and this great state we are privileged to call home.”
Trevor Lee concedes after losing to GOP challenger
Incumbent state Rep. Trevor Lee conceded his race against Bob Stevenson, current Davis County Commissioner, in the Republican primary to represent Utah’s House District 16.
“While the results did not go as we had hoped, I am deeply grateful to the voters, volunteers, donors, and supporters who stood with our conservative vision for a stronger Utah,” Lee said in a post on X.
“To my opponent Bob, I wish him the very best as he takes on this important role. Serving the people of District 16 is an honor, and I pray he will do so with integrity and a focus on what truly matters most.”
Lee’s campaign struggled amid accusations of fraud and dishonesty from two previous employers.
Jason Walton, owner of Moxie Pest Control, and Trent Spafford, owner of Enevive, made their accusations in videos posted online at stoptrevorlee.com, a website paid for by Walton that discouraged voters from voting for Lee.
Stevenson led with 66% of the vote as of 10 p.m. Tuesday. He will run against Democratic candidate Abigail Treasure in the November general election.
Catten is likely to win against Done in race to replace Nate Blouin in state Senate
An upset looks likely in District 13 where three Democrats are competing to fill the open seat left by state Sen. Nate Blouin, who ran unsuccessfully for a U.S. House seat in Utah’s 1st District.
Silvia Catten, Millcreek City Council member leads with 46% of the vote, ahead of union organizer Taylor Paden and progressive Evan Done, who have received 22% and 32% respectively, according to The New York Times.
Catten only qualified for the primary election by gathering signatures after Done won 60% of the vote at the district’s Democratic convention.
If Catten wins, she heads into the November general election in one of Utah’s most progressive districts with good odds against Republican Ryan L. Mahoney and Colin Smith from the Utah Forward Party.
Fiefia looks to win decisively over McCay
Rep. Doug Fiefia looked likely to beat incumbent state Sen. Dan McCay in the Republican primary for Utah Senate District 18, a region covering parts of Salt Lake and Utah counties.
Fiefia went into the primary with an advantage after receiving 58% of the vote at the GOP state party convention. He leads with 69% of the vote as of 10 p.m. Tuesday.
If successful in Tuesday’s primary, Fiefia will face Democratic candidate A. Dane Anderson in November’s general election.
Utah’s primary: By the numbers
Nearly half of Utah’s 29 state Senate seats were up for election in 2026 in addition to all 75 state House seats. Both chambers are overwhelmingly Republican.
Of the 2.1 million registered voters in Utah, counted as of June 16, 1 million are registered as Republicans, 297,000 are Democrats, and 622,000 are not affiliated with either party.
Utah’s general election will be held on November 3, 2026.