State Senate District 5 in Utah State Senate District 5, Utah

2026 Primary Election

• Jill F. Koford — Incumbent Member of the Utah House of Representatives in Ogden, UT

  Jill Koford is a Republican candidate for the Utah State Senate District 5 election in 2026. A lifelong resident of Weber County, she is a small business owner, former educator, and private pilot. Koford currently serves as an incumbent member of the Utah House of Representatives for District 10, a seat she flipped in 2024. She is running to be a tireless advocate for her community, pledging open communication and to voice constituents' concerns. Her legislative record includes championing property tax relief, expanding affordability options, protecting the Great Salt Lake, and pushing for big tech accountability, aiming to ease the cost of living and expand educational freedom.

• Dakota Wurth — Incumbent Clearfield City Council Member in Clearfield, UT

  Dakota Wurth, 30, is a current Clearfield City Council Member seeking election to the Utah State Senate for District 5. He made history as Clearfield's youngest elected official and the first openly LGBTQ+ official in Davis County, where he resides with his husband and two dogs. Wurth earned degrees from Weber State University and Western Governors University, with a background as an assistant director. His tenure on the City Council, spanning two and a half years, has instilled in him a commitment to representative governance. He champions an affordable Utah, advocating for the Great Salt Lake's restoration, public land protection, and empowering local leaders. Wurth also seeks to expand housing options without burdening communities. He aims to be the only openly gay member of the Utah State Senate.

• "cj" Christina Hernandez — Diplomatic Reservist in Ogden, UT

  Christina "CJ" Hernandez is a Utah native, born at McKay-Dee Hospital and educated at Weber State University. She built a career as a public servant, an Air Force civilian, and a former senior U.S. diplomat, currently serving as a Diplomatic Reservist for the U.S. Department of State. Her professional background includes 10 years at Hill Air Force Base as a Contract Specialist, where she focused on public-private partnerships, bringing in workload through agreements. Hernandez is running in the Democratic primary for State Senate District 5, advocating for a moderate approach that prioritizes people over party. She is proficient in Spanish and has received multiple honors for her public service.