State House District 61 in Utah State House District 61, Utah

2026 Primary Election

• Alan Jimenez — Cybersecurity professional in UT

  Alan Jimenez is a Democratic candidate running for the Utah House of Representatives, District 61, in the 2026 election. A lifelong resident of Utah County and the son of immigrants, he is a cybersecurity professional dedicated to protecting critical infrastructure. Jimenez advanced as the Democratic nominee without a primary ballot appearance. He is campaigning on an "Evidence over Ideology" platform, aiming to bring honest, data-driven leadership to the State House. His key policy priorities include fully funding education, implementing science-based policy decisions, and ensuring fiscal transparency for Utah County. He seeks to provide a pragmatic, unity-focused voice centered on respect and facts.

• Jennifer K Doud — Candidate for State House District 61 in UT

  Jennifer K Doud is seeking election to the Utah House of Representatives for District 61 in the 2026 general election. Running as a Constitution Party candidate, she is one of several individuals on the ballot for this legislative seat, which is currently held by an incumbent from a different party. No specific information about her professional background or policy positions is available from the provided search results.

• Lisa Shepherd — Incumbent Utah House of Representatives - District 61 in Orem, UT

  Lisa Shepherd is an incumbent Utah State Representative for District 61. A Republican, she is described as a conservative and effective leader, having previously served as Republican House District 61 Chair since 1993. She holds degrees in business management and political science from Utah Valley University and has experience as a policy advisor. Her platform prioritizes preserving freedoms, defending 1st and 2nd Amendment rights, protecting family values, safeguarding tax rates, and enhancing education. She is pro-life, advocates for law and order, and aims to strengthen infrastructure. Shepherd emphasizes being a "Voice of the People" for constituents in southwest Orem and west Provo.

• Melanie Craghead — Candidate for State House in UT

  Melanie Craghead is a Democratic candidate who sought to represent District 61 in the Utah House of Representatives during the 2026 election cycle. She participated in the Democratic convention held on April 25, 2026, where she was defeated. As a result of this loss, she will not appear on the Democratic primary ballot scheduled for June 23, 2026, for the State House seat.

• Cynthia Wren — Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant/L in Provo, UT

  Cynthia Wren, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, ran for election to the Utah House of Representatives to represent District 61 as a Democrat in 2026. She participated in the Democratic convention on April 25, 2026, but was defeated and did not advance to appear on the primary ballot. Her professional background includes roles as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant at Independence Rehab and current positions in events/social media at Cascades Healthcare and as a content writer for Study.com. Her activity on social media indicates an interest in advocating for healthcare policies, such as telehealth access, and supporting educators.

• Tom Waqa — Candidate for State House District 61 in UT

  Tom Waqa initially filed as a Republican candidate for the Utah House of Representatives District 61 in the 2026 election. He was listed among those challenging incumbent Lisa Shepherd. However, official records indicate that Waqa subsequently withdrew his candidacy. As a result, his name does not appear on the ballot for either the Republican primary, which was ultimately canceled, or the general election. The general election for District 61 will proceed with Lisa Shepherd (R), Alan Jimenez (D), and Jennifer Doud (Constitution Party).