How wild was the 2026 election? Utah County elected a Democratic Socialist. Here’s how it happened.

David Chappell became the first Democrat in more than 30 years to win a state legislative race in the Republican stronghold.

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Newly elected Rep. David Chappell discusses his legislative strategy during a Town Hall, in Provo, on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026.

By  Robert Gehrke

 | Nov. 11, 2026, 6:00 a.m.