Urgent Update: Utah County Mayoral Races Spark Political Changes

UPDATE: Preliminary results from the 2025 general municipal election in Utah County reveal dramatic political shifts, with several cities poised to welcome new mayors. As of Tuesday night, incumbent leaders face fierce challenges that could reshape local governance.

In Vineyard, entrepreneur Zack Stratton is leading with an impressive 58% of the votes against City Councilwoman Mardi Sifuentes, who trails with 41%. This election marks the end of Julie Fullmer‘s eight-year tenure, as she opted not to seek reelection amidst criticism and internal strife. Stratton, backed by Councilman Jacob Holdaway, could usher in significant changes within the city council dynamic.

Vineyard residents also voted for an additional council member following last year’s approval of Proposition 10, which expanded the council. The race for the new seat shows Parker McCumber leading with 21%, closely followed by Jacob Wood at 20.6% and David Lauret at 20.2%.

Meanwhile, in Orem, incumbent Mayor David Young faces a challenging reelection bid against Karen McCandless, who has garnered 52% of the vote compared to Young’s 47%. McCandless, former City Council member and current CEO of Community Action Services and Food Bank, is campaigning on a platform that resonates with voters seeking change. Young’s previous proposals, including a controversial Orem-only school, have faced backlash, and his leadership during a family scandal involving his son has raised eyebrows.

These preliminary results indicate a pivotal moment for Utah County, with the potential for a significant shift in leadership and priorities. The community’s response to these elections will be crucial, as local governance directly impacts residents’ lives.

As counting continues, all eyes will remain on these races, with final results expected in the coming days. Stay tuned for updates on these developing stories, as the political landscape of Utah County is set to undergo a transformative change.