Salt Lake City’s recent election results have reshaped the city’s political landscape, marking a new era for inclusion and representation. If current results stand, the Salt Lake City Council will soon be majority female for the first time in at least four decades, a significant milestone for Utah’s capital.
A Council Reflecting Modern Salt Lake City
According to an analysis by The Salt Lake Tribune, the seven-member council will not only be majority female but will also continue to represent a majority LGBTQ+ and ethnic minority makeup. This mix sets the council apart from Utah’s broader, more conservative political scene.
The historic shift comes as Erika Carlsen, a community and youth organizer, secures her win in District 5 — the area anchored by Ballpark and surrounding neighborhoods. Carlsen, who identifies as queer and Latina, expressed pride in joining a council that reflects the diversity of Salt Lake City.
“I didn’t run to make history,” Carlsen said. “I ran to make a difference in my neighborhood. But I’m proud to be part of a council that looks like the community it serves.”
Carlsen’s victory adds another layer of representation alongside current members Alejandro Puy, Eva Lopez Chavez, and Victoria Petro. Together, they form a Latino majority on the council — a first for the city.
Women in Leadership Across the Capital
The milestone also aligns with broader gender representation in the city’s leadership. Both Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson hold executive positions, making Salt Lake one of the few metropolitan areas in the U.S. where both city and county governments are led by women. You can learn more about their leadership on the Salt Lake City Government website.
Carlsen’s win gives her 66% of the ranked-choice vote, surpassing community leader Amy Hawkins and candidate Vance Hansen. The District 5 seat covers neighborhoods including Central Ninth, Liberty Wells, and East Liberty Park.
Third Term for Chris Wharton Strengthens LGBTQ+ Representation
Another significant result came from District 3, where Chris Wharton secured his third four-year term. Wharton, an attorney and business owner, won with 51% of the vote, defeating Blake McClary and Liddy Huntsman-Hernandez.
Wharton’s continued presence ensures that four of the seven council members identify as LGBTQ+, a notable majority in a state long dominated by conservative politics. His leadership on the council reflects the city’s ongoing progress toward inclusivity and civic balance.
“I’m honored to have the trust of District 3 again,” Wharton said. “I want to make sure future generations, including my daughter, experience all the opportunities Salt Lake City has to offer.”
More information about Utah’s election systems and ranked-choice voting can be found on the Utah Elections Office website.
Victoria Petro Secures Second Term in District 1
In another close race, Victoria Petro appears to have clinched re-election in District 1, representing the west-side neighborhoods of Rose Park, Westpointe, Jordan Meadows, and Northpointe. Petro, a business and nonprofit consultant, earned 52% of the vote over challenger Stephen Otterstrom.
Her win cements her role as a strong advocate for west-side residents, particularly as debates intensify over public safety and the state’s proposed 1,300-bed homeless services campus.
“Together we’ve fought for safe neighborhoods and real affordability,” Petro said. “My commitment remains unchanged: to protect our community and ensure working families have a voice.”
A New Era for Salt Lake City
With these results, the Salt Lake City Council is on track to represent one of the most diverse leadership groups in Utah’s history — majority female, majority Latino, and majority LGBTQ+. It’s a defining moment that reflects how deeply the city’s values of inclusion and representation have taken root.
As official tallies are finalized, this election will likely be remembered not just for its winners, but for the community that continues to shape a more inclusive and representative Salt Lake City.
