As the candidate filing window for the 2026 general election closed on Thursday, Summit County is gearing up for another competitive political season. This election cycle will see a range of key positions on the ballot, including county and school board roles, as residents prepare to make critical decisions that will shape the future of governance in the region. The races are particularly noteworthy as they mark a shift in how County Council candidates will be elected, with a focus on district representation rather than at-large positions. Among the positions up for grabs, the County Auditor, Sheriff, County Attorney, County Clerk, and two County Council seats are among the most significant. The school board elections will also draw attention, with openings in Park City, North Summit, and South Summit. The changes in how these positions are contested could lead to a more localized approach to governance and reflect the unique needs of each district. In a significant change, this year marks the first time that County Council candidates are restricted to running within their respective districts. District 4, which includes the Snyderville Basin, and District 5, covering Jeremy Ranch and Pinebrook, will be pivotal. Chris Robinson, the long-serving representative for District 4, has opted not to seek reelection after nearly two decades in office. This leaves the seat open for a new candidate, with Democrats Christie Babalis, a local attorney, and John Kucera, a former chair of the Snyderville Basin Planning Commission, stepping forward to vie for this important position. In contrast, District 5 Councilor Canice Harte is seeking reelection, facing competition from Meredith Reed, a local real estate agent and current president of the Park City Board of Education. Both candidates in this race also represent the Democratic Party, suggesting that the upcoming caucus will be particularly crucial in determining who will make it to the general election. The local Democratic Party plans to hold a caucus this spring, where they will decide whether to consolidate support behind one candidate in each of the contested races. Should the caucus fail to reach a consensus, a primary election will be held to narrow down the candidates. Other key positions up for election include County Auditor Cindy Keyes and County Attorney Margaret Olson, both of whom are running unopposed. Sheriff Kacey Bates, appointed by the local Democratic Party to succeed retired Sheriff Frank Smith, is also seeking to secure her position for another four years. Bates has not faced any challengers in the current filing period, solidifying her path to the election. A notable change is on the horizon for the County Clerk’s Office, as incumbent Eve Furse prepares to retire after her term ends this year. Two candidates have emerged to replace her: Malena Stevens, a Democrat with experience on the Snyderville Basin Planning Commission and County Council, and Suni Woolstenhulme, a Republican and former member of the South Summit school board. Voters will have the opportunity to choose between these two candidates in the upcoming November election. The local school board elections promise to be competitive as well. In South Summit, Matthew Weller has filed to run for the District 4 seat, while Ty Metcalf will contest the District 5 position. In North Summit, incumbent Kevin Orgill seeks reelection in District 4 against challenger Rene Potter, while three candidates—Russell Hendry, Eric Cylvick, and Kari Koyle—are vying for the District 5 seat. Park City Board of Education Vice President Nick Hill is running to retain his District 5 seat, while Denise Andrews has filed to contest the District 4 seat currently held by Reed. In addition to the local elections, voters will also participate in federal and state elections in November. In State Senate District 20, incumbent Ronald Winterton is running for reelection against Annette McRae of the Forward Party. In State House District 4, incumbent Tiara Auxier faces challenges from several candidates, including former Oakley mayor Zane Woolstenhulme. Hoang Nguyen is running unopposed in State House District 23, while three Republicans are competing for the House District 59 seat. As for House District 68, Scott Chew has filed as a Republican and will face Constitution Party candidate Sonya Ray. Furthermore, Jennie Earl is running without opposition for the Utah State School Board of Education, District 1. While the majority of candidates have filed for the upcoming elections, the filing deadline for the U.S. House of Representatives’ third congressional district will be separate, with candidates expected to announce their intentions in March. Additionally, voters will have the opportunity to participate in retention elections for two Utah Supreme Court judges, six court of appeals judges, four district court judges, and four juvenile court judges. As Summit County prepares for the upcoming elections, residents will be keenly watching the unfolding political landscape, with each decision carrying significant implications for their community’s governance and future direction. The upcoming caucus and elections will not only determine who holds key local positions but will also set the tone for political engagement in the years to come.