CACHE COUNTY – With just one day remaining in the filing period for candidates in GOP special election race to replace County Executive David Zook, two additional candidates have tossed their hats into the ring.
Those newcomers are Mark Hurd and Matt Carey, who will join the already announced candidates Dirk Anderson, Craig Anhder, Rhyan Dockter, Stephanie Miller and Micah Safsten.
Hurd has extensive experience in local government. He is currently a member of the Cache County Council, representing North Logan, Hyde Park and Smithfield.
His previous public service includes terms on the Hyde Park city council and planning/zoning commission; the North Park Police Commission; as chair and vice chair of the Cache County Republican Party; and as a GOP county and state delegate on numerous occasions.
In his initial entry into local politics, Carey is a husband, father and nearly 14-year veteran of the U.S. Army who has called Cache Valley his home for most of his life.
In mid-August, Zook announced that the would retire from public service effective Monday, Sept. 8.
The filing period for other potential candidates will close at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4, according to Cache GOP Chair Natalie Levi.
To file as a candidate, hopefuls can visit cachegop.com/run.
The Special Election will be held at Ridgeline High School in Millville. The candidate open house and credentialing will open at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 11, with the meeting coming to order at 6:30 PM.
Potential candidates should submit their applications electronically to Levi at chaircachegop@gop.com on or before the Sept. 4 deadline. After that, candidates can mail a signed paper application to Cache GOP, P.O. Box 43, Logan UT 84323.
The winner of the county special election will serve out the unexpired term of the former county executive until December of 2026.
Members of the public are invited to attend the Special Election on Sept. 11, but under GOP bylaws only members of the Cache County Republican Party Central Committee, precinct officers and county delegates will be able to cast ballots.
Additional information about candidates who have filed so far can be found at www.cachegop.com
Ridgeline High School is located at 180 North, 300 West in Millville.