November 2024’s General Election delivered significant outcomes for Salt Lake County, where several closely contested races reshaped the local political landscape. Voters elected leaders for key county positions, including Treasurer, Assessor, Surveyor, Recorder and various school board seats. Alongside pivotal leadership changes, residents also delivered decisive verdicts on key county initiatives, reaffirming one and rejecting another. 

 Historic Win for County Treasurer

In a groundbreaking victory, Sheila Srivastava (Democrat) became the first woman elected as Salt Lake County Treasurer. Securing 50.3% of the vote, she narrowly defeated Republican Phil Conder in a race that also flipped the office to Democratic control. Srivastava campaigned on her professional qualifications, emphasizing her role as the only Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the race.

She is replacing outgoing Treasurer Wayne Cushing, who has served in that role for the past 14 years. Conder served as Chief Deputy Treasurer under Cushing.

“I am running for Salt Lake County Treasurer to provide efficient, ethical, and transparent management of county funds and collaborate with other elected officials to best serve Salt Lake County residents,” Srivastava stated on her campaign website. Her background as a CPA, coupled with her upbringing in rural Utah, became central to her message. Raised by a single mother who worked three jobs to make ends meet, Srivastava often reflected on her personal experience with financial hardship. “This early exposure to the financial struggles in my community fueled a personal determination to forge a better path—not only for myself but for others,” she said.

Srivastava also vowed to approach her role in a nonpartisan manner, declaring, “My approach is centered on process, not politics. I aim to be the professional that every resident, irrespective of political affiliation, can trust.”

"Comeback Campaign" for County Assessor

Republican incumbent Chris Stavros clinched re-election as Salt Lake County Assessor in another nail-biter. He defeated Democrat Joel Frost by just 699 votes, or 50.07% to 49.93%. This marks the second consecutive election where Stavros overcame a significant election night deficit to claim victory.

“On election night, we trailed by 13,790 votes, and after all of the votes were tallied, we won by 699 votes,” Stavros shared on social media, adding, “We are the ‘Comeback Campaign.’” He expressed gratitude to the 241,190 voters who supported his re-election bid, stating, “I am truly humbled and touched by your support, kindness, and your willingness to help me in any way that you possibly could during the entire campaign.”

Stavros’s long career in the Assessor’s Office, spanning over 30 years, was a key factor in his victory. As County Assessor, he oversees the appraisal of more than 300,000 properties and ensures the equitable distribution of property taxes. Stavros highlighted his focus on transparency and fairness, saying, “Every vote matters, and every resident deserves to know that property valuations are conducted with the utmost integrity.”

Bradley Park Elected County Surveyor

Republican Bradley Parker and Democrat Kent Setterberg pose after a tight battle for Salt Lake County Surveyor. Parker won narrowly with 50.38% of the vote. (Photo courtesy of Bradley Parker)

The race for County Surveyor saw another tight contest, with Republican Bradley Park defeating Democrat Kent Setterberg by 50.38% to 49.62%. Park, the current Chief Deputy Surveyor, brings over 17 years of professional experience to the role.

After 18 years, Reid Demman is stepping away from the position of County Surveyor. Both candidates were members of his office.

“The election for County Surveyor was very unique, with all three candidates working in the same office,” Park noted in a post-election statement. He also acknowledged the contributions of Setterberg, who worked in the Surveyor’s Office for 30 years. “I appreciate Kent Setterberg, who came to congratulate me today. We had a nice conversation about our campaigns, and I wish him all the best in retirement.”

Park’s campaign emphasized his technical expertise and leadership skills, developed through roles such as managing Dominion Energy’s Survey Office and completing their Emerging Leaders program. As Surveyor, Park will oversee critical tasks, including maintaining property boundaries and supporting the county’s infrastructure planning.

“I’m excited to get to work and serve the great people of Salt Lake County,” Park declared, expressing gratitude to his family, volunteers and outgoing surveyor Reid Demman for their support.

Rashelle Hobbs Retains County Recorder Seat Amid Scrutiny

Incumbent Democrat Rashelle Hobbs secured re-election as County Recorder with 51.76% of the vote, defeating Republican challenger Richard Snelgrove. Hobbs campaigned on her track record of modernizing the Recorder’s Office, including initiatives like Property Watch—a fraud prevention program that alerts property owners to unauthorized changes to their records.

Hobb’s challenger, Snelgrove, previously served on the Salt Lake County Council but was defeated for re-election in 2022.

However, her campaign faced controversy after a mailer featuring her name and photo was sent alongside property tax notices. The incident drew bipartisan criticism, with many questioning the appropriateness of using official channels for campaign purposes. In response, the county council considered an ordinance to limit such mailers around election time.

Hobbs posted on her Facebook page, “I want to pause and thank everyone who’s been a part of this journey. To my fellow recorders who endorsed me and make this work so engaging—thank you. To the canvassers and phone bankers, your hard work does not go unnoticed—sincerely, thank you for your dedication. Lastly, to my county colleagues who make Salt Lake County a standout place to work, I’m grateful.”

Voters Favor the Arts but Not a New Jail

Voters rejected a measure to issue up to $507 million in bonds to update Salt Lake County correctional facilities. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County)

Voters strongly supported ZAP Proposition 8, reauthorizing the 0.1% Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) sales and using tax for 10 years to fund recreational, zoological, botanical, and cultural facilities and organizations. Nearly 79% of voters backed the measure.

In a narrow vote, county residents rejected the Salt Lake County Jail bond, authorizing the county to issue bonds of up to $507 million to fund the construction of a Justice and Accountability Center, combine two county jails, and improve existing correctional facilities. The request failed 51.62% to 48.38%.

Canyons School District: 

District 1: Jackson Lewis Secures the Seat

Jackson Lewis emerged victorious in the District 1 race, receiving 56.91% of the vote (4,990 votes). Rainer Lilbok trailed with 23.65% (2,074 votes), while adjudicated write-ins accounted for 19.43% (1,704 votes).

The adjudicated write-in votes, an unusually high percentage, suggest a contentious race with notable voter dissatisfaction or alternative preferences. 

District 3: Katie Dahle Wins a Tight Race

Katie Dahle defeated Barbara A. Gentry with 54.64% of the vote (8,386 votes) compared to Gentry's 45.36% (6,962 votes). 

District 7: Holly Ann Neibaur’s Landslide Victory

Holly Ann Neibaur claimed a decisive victory in District 7, earning 68.69% of the vote (7,498 votes) against Jordan Davis’s 31.31% (3,417 votes). 

Granite School District: 

District 1: Julie Jackson Unopposed

Julie Jackson ran unopposed in District 1, securing 100% of the vote (24,401 votes). 

District 2: Clarke B. Nelson Triumphs

Clarke B. Nelson won with 56.27% of the vote (10,759 votes) against Kevin Korous, who garnered 43.73% (8,363 votes). 

District 4: Nicole McDermott’s Overwhelming Support

Nicole McDermott won a commanding victory in District 4 with 76.15% of the vote (15,073 votes) over Todd William Morrill’s 23.85% (4,722 votes). 

Jordan School District: 

District 1: Darrell J. Robinson Unopposed

Darrell J. Robinson ran unopposed in District 1, securing 100% of the vote (14,080 votes). 

District 4: Erin Barrow’s Clear Win

Erin Barrow won with 69.71% of the vote (13,047 votes), decisively defeating Michael E. Wilson, who received 30.29% (5,668 votes). 

District 5: Bryce Dunford Secures Victory

Bryce Dunford defeated Mitchell Atencio with 55.60% of the vote (10,424 votes) to Atencio’s 44.40% (8,324 votes). 

District 6: Niki George Claims a Decisive Win

Niki George triumphed in District 6 with 64.79% of the vote (10,056 votes) against Clareen Arnold’s 35.21% (5,465 votes). 

Murray School District: 

District 1: Kelly Taeoalii Wins Big

Kelly Taeoalii won the District 1 seat with 74.60% of the vote (1,836 votes), defeating Amy Hollins, who earned 25.40% (625 votes). 

District 5: Jaren J. Cooper Unopposed

Jaren J. Cooper ran unopposed in District 5, securing 100% of the vote (2,740 votes). 

Salt Lake County officials will take their oaths of office in January. Comprehensive official vote counts are available at https://electionresults.utah.gov.