CACHE COUNTY – Democrats and third-party candidates have begun to emerge in the upcoming 2026 state and local elections.
As of Jan. 6, four Democrats and one candidate representing the Forward Party of Utah have signaled their intent to seek political offices in the election slated for November of 2026.
Ben Shaw of the Utah Forward Party has filed his declaration of candidacy for District 3 in the Utah House of Representatives, seeking to oust first-term incumbent state Rep. Jason Thompson (R-River Heights).
Also seeking a post in the Utah House, Democrat Kendra Penry will challenge incumbent state lawmaker Rep. Casey Snider (R-Paradise) for his seat in House District 5.
First elected to the Legislature in 2016, Snider is the youngest Republican to ever serve as majority leader in the Utah House.
Incumbent Utah Rep. Mike Petersen (R-North Logan) will also face challenger Barbara Haggerty, a Democrat, for his District 2 seat in the Utah House.
In the race for the Logan District 3 seat on the Cache County Council, incumbent Council Chair Sandi Goodlander will complete with Democrat Mark Nafziger.
Finally, Democrat Lizette Villegas will challenge another incumbent council member, Mark R. Hurd, for the seat on the Cache County Council representing the Northeast 5 District of Logan.
Other recent additions to the field of candidates in the upcoming state and local elections include incumbent Matt Funk seeking to retain the post of Cache County Auditor and Cole Checketts who declared for the District 5 seat on the Logan City School Board.
The Forward Party of Utah advocates for centrist views on various issues and election reform.
The filing period for candidates seeking state and local offices will remain open until 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8.