The 2025 general municipal election in Utah County has resulted in significant political changes as several cities prepare to welcome new mayors. Preliminary results indicate that some incumbents will be replaced, reflecting a shift in local governance dynamics.
Vineyard Sees New Leadership
In Vineyard, entrepreneur and businessman Zack Stratton is leading the mayoral race with approximately 58% of the vote, while City Councilwoman Mardi Sifuentes trails with around 41%. This marks a departure from the eight-year tenure of Julie Fullmer, who chose not to seek reelection amid criticism from some community members. Fullmer has faced allegations of corruption from City Councilman Jacob Holdaway, who has positioned himself as a challenger to her leadership style.
Stratton’s potential victory could signal a new direction for Vineyard’s City Council, especially as he is endorsed by Holdaway. Alongside the mayoral race, residents are also filling an additional council seat after a recent referendum that yielded 74% support for Proposition 10. As of the latest results, Parker McCumber is leading this race with 21% of the votes, closely followed by Jacob Wood and David Lauret.
Orem’s Incumbent Faces Challenges
In Orem, incumbent Mayor David Young is fighting for reelection against Karen McCandless, the CEO of Community Action Services and Food Bank. Preliminary results show McCandless in the lead with approximately 52% of the votes compared to Young’s 47%. Young has campaigned on the idea of promoting Orem as “Family City USA,” with a focus on resisting high-density housing projects.
His administration has not been without controversy. Young faced criticism when a proposal for an Orem-only school was rejected by voters, and he has dealt with public scrutiny regarding family-related issues. McCandless, who previously served on the City Council from 2001 to 2014, appears to be capitalizing on a desire for change among Orem’s electorate.
The unfolding results from these mayoral races reflect a broader trend in Utah County, where residents are opting for new leadership as they seek fresh perspectives on local governance. The final outcomes will be closely monitored as additional results are tallied in the coming days, further shaping the political landscape in the region.
