facebook-pixel

Salt Lake County D.A. Sim Gill appears to claim victory in Democratic primary

He has held the position for 16 years, while challenger Shawn Robinson currently serves as an assistant Utah attorney general.

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill speaks at a news conference in May.

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill speaks at a news conference in May.

Incumbent Sim Gill appeared to claim victory late Tuesday after unofficial results gave him a hefty lead over challenger Shawn Robinson in the Democratic primary for Salt Lake County district attorney.

As of 11:25 p.m., returns showed Gill with 54% of the vote, to Robinson’s roughly 46%. In a statement, Gill thanked constituents for their support and said he was proud of what he’s accomplished over his 15-year career in the position.

“My work has always been guided by the ideals of justice, fairness, equality and truth, and I am running for reelection to continue advancing those ideals and applying the law, even when it’s unpopular,” Gill wrote in a statement. “I’m excited to continue talking with voters across the county over the coming months.”

In April, Gill was nearly unseated by Robinson at the Salt Lake County Democratic Convention. Robinson was just a few delegates shy of blocking Gill from appearing on the ballot.

(Gill campaign; Robinson campaign) Sim Gill, left, and Shawn Robinson, candidates for the Democratic nomination for Salt Lake County district attorney.

Gill was elected as the county’s top prosecutor in 2010. Robinson has worked as a prosecutor and public defender in his 30-year law career. He currently serves as an assistant Utah attorney general.

The winner of the primary will face Republican Kent Davis in the November general election.

In the Republican primary for Salt Lake County Council District 5, Traci Crockett captured 52% of the vote, while Chris Null held 48%, according to early returns. District 5 encompasses Riverton, Bluffdale and parts of West Jordan, South Jordan, Herriman and Draper.

Republican Sheldon Stewart currently holds the position, but withdrew from the race in January. The winner of the District 5 primary will face Democrat Sara Cimmers in November.

Support free news for Utah

sltrib.com is now free to access — no subscription required. We made this decision because we believe access to trustworthy, independent news shouldn’t depend on what you can afford — especially as misinformation and AI-generated content continue to rise.

Free to read doesn’t mean free to produce. Our reporters show up every day to ask hard questions and hold powerful institutions to account. That work takes resources. As a nonprofit newsroom, we rely on support from people who believe it matters. Make a donation today to fund local news that serves Utah communities.

You can help us bring more local news to more communities today.