State Senate District 11 in Utah State Senate District 11, Utah

2026 Primary Election

• Emily Buss — Incumbent Utah State Senator in Eagle Mountain, UT

  Emily Buss is an incumbent Utah State Senator, representing District 11 for the Forward Party. She assumed office on December 17, 2025, and is seeking re-election in 2026, having advanced from her primary. An alumna of Brigham Young University–Idaho, Buss has served as an AmeriCorps member and a licensed SSW and case manager. She is also a nonprofit executive, founding the Birthday Box Foundation, which has received state recognition. Her political career began with a run for Eagle Mountain City Council, aiming to represent her generation’s challenges. Buss’s campaigns are grassroots and community-focused. In the Senate, she prioritizes constituent accessibility and addressing the needs of fast-growing communities. She has been recognized among Utah Business's "Forty Under 40" and Utah's "Remarkable Women."

• Mackenzie Miller — Candidate for State Senate in UT

  Mackenzie Miller is a working parent and veteran running for Utah State Senate District 11 as a Democrat in 2026. She prioritizes working families, advocating for competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and a clear path to success. Miller aims to ensure working people receive the respect and rewards they've earned. She is committed to addressing affordability, holding the Legislature accountable for decisions impacting communities, and passing thoughtful, data-driven policies to help Utah families thrive. Miller pledges to serve the public, demand transparency, and put Utahns first, rejecting special interest influence and empty political promises.

• Brooks Benson — Candidate for State Senate in UT

  Brooks Benson is the Republican nominee for Utah State Senate District 11, campaigning on an "Infrastructure First" platform to tackle issues like unmanaged growth, traffic, and overcrowded schools. With a background in Behavioral Science - Family Studies and a proven business track record, Benson advocates for responsible growth, prioritizing roads, schools, and utilities before housing developments are approved. He also champions conservative family protection policies, fiscal responsibility, and limited government. Benson secured the Republican nomination with a strong first-ballot victory at the State Convention, leading to the cancellation of the primary. He is now running in the general election for the district, which includes areas like Eagle Mountain, Tooele, Herriman, Magna, and Kearns.

• John Knotwell — Senior vice president of global sales at Nuvi in Herriman, UT

  John Knotwell is a former Republican member of the Utah House of Representatives, where he served from 2013 to 2019 and was elected majority assistant whip. A principled conservative, he ran for the Utah State Senate District 11 in 2026, campaigning on delivering measurable results and relief for Utah families. His platform focused on addressing skyrocketing housing costs, rising property taxes, out-of-control growth leading to traffic, and concerns about energy and water. He advocates for cutting regulatory red tape, increasing housing affordability, and expanding educational opportunities. Knotwell received an endorsement from Americans for Prosperity-Utah. He lost in the Republican convention for the 2026 primary election.

• Chris Sloan — Broker/Owner Group 1 Real Estate in Tooele, UT

  Chris Sloan is a Republican candidate who sought election to the Utah State Senate representing District 11 in 2026. He was disqualified from the primary and lost in the Republican convention. Sloan is the Broker/Owner of Group 1 Real Estate in Tooele County, Utah, a family-owned business specializing in real estate for over 30 years. His public service includes chairing the Tooele County Republican Party and leadership roles in the Utah Association of Realtors, where he was named "Realtor of the Year." He also serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Realtors and is a Board Member for the Life’s Worth Living Foundation.