Meet our 2026 Candidates!
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Bianca Mittendorf
Utah House District 7
I’m a working mom with 3 kids, including one with high support needs, and I don’t have time for political games. I’m used to solving real problems. Right now, our paychecks aren't going as far as they used to while the cost of living is skyrocketing and every hardworking family in our community is struggling. I’m running to provide actual relief, starting with eliminating the sales tax on food and tackling the housing crisis that is pricing our own children out of our neighborhoods. We need to make sure the people who work in our community like our teachers, our first responders, and our young families can actually afford to live in our community. We need a leader who listens to this community instead of just following a party line. I’ll fight to keep our money in our pockets, protect our community’s future, and make sure the people in power finally start answering to you. My name is Bianca Mittendorf and I’m asking for your vote to bring some common sense back to our state legislature.

Rosemary Lesser
Utah House District 10
Rosemary has dedicated her entire life and career to helping others, serving her country in the Air Force, her local community as a doctor, and her constituents as the former Representative for House District 10 from 2021 to 2024. She is proud to use her lifetime of experience as a veteran, an OB/GYN, and leader to continue working toward making Utah a better place for all of us.

CJ Hernandez
Utah Senate District 5
I have spent my career in public service, protecting American interests abroad, strengthening communities at home, and building connections across cultures, languages, and political systems. A senior U.S. diplomat who speaks Spanish fluently, I have worked on the front lines of defense, diplomacy, and human rights in some of the most complex environments in the world. My work has always centered on one principle: strong communities are built through trust, collaboration, and service. Why I'm Running - The cost of living is rising faster than families can manage. Our public schools are stretched thin, and educators are being asked to do more with less. Our air, water, and public lands are under growing pressure while the Great Salt Lake dries up. And too often, the voices of voters are ignored by those in power. I’m running because these problems demand leadership that listens, acts, and puts Utah families first.

Zach Thomas
Ogden School Board District 6
I'm a proud supporter of public schools, WSU graduate, and community advocate through my work with Weber County RAMP and dark sky education. I'm running for Ogden School Board in 2026 to invest in all students, support our educators, prioritize student wellbeing, and create safe learning environments where every child can thrive.

Kim James
Utah House District 8
Kim James recently retired after a full career in professional ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church in Colorado and Utah. She has devoted her life to servant leadership that cares for the whole person. She most recently served as pastor of Ogden First United Methodist Church, 2013-2025. During her years in Ogden, Kim has learned about the values, hopes, and needs of Utah residents. She has become well-acquainted with the resources, organizations, and opportunities that help. She has also observed the obstacles, challenges, and frustrations that hinder the lives of Utahns. She is now well prepared to represent the people of House District 8 in the Utah Legislature and advocate for the changes that are needed.

Dave Calder
Utah House District 11
Dave Calder is running for the Utah State Legislature to give everyday Utahns a stronger voice at the Capitol. He is committed to practical, people-first solutions that address the real challenges families face, including rising housing costs, access to healthcare, and economic stability. Dave believes government works best when it is transparent, accountable, and focused on serving the community—not special interests. Dave is also a firm supporter of fair representation and protecting voters’ voices. He supports policies that strengthen democratic integrity, expand opportunity, and ensure Utah remains a place where working families can thrive. With a collaborative approach and a deep respect for public service, Dave Calder is ready to deliver thoughtful leadership and common-sense solutions for his district.

Dakota Wurth
Utah Senate District 5
I’m running for the Utah State Senate because I’ve seen up close just how hard it’s becoming to build and hold onto a life here. I see it as a City Councilmember when families show up worried about housing costs or whether they’ll be forced to leave the community they love. I see it in my work in housing and community development, where decisions made at the Capitol translate directly into what people can afford, what cities can do, and who gets left behind. I ran for public office because I believe community is one of our most powerful tools for solving problems, and decision makers should understand the consequences of their choices. District 5 deserves a voice in the Legislature that listens, sets aside partisan bickering, and speaks with conviction when it matters. We deserve a senator that shows up for our community and is willing to stand with working families. I want to make sure the next generation can afford to live here, serve here, and build their future here, just like the generations before them.

Oscar Mata
Ogden School Board District 7
Fighting for all families! “It takes a village. That is the mantra I grew up believing. Whether it be teachers, coaches, or friends' parents I had people looking out for me. I want to serve on the school board and advocate for our village and our community."

Angela Choberka
Utah House District 9
A dedicated public servant, Angela's story revolves around her unwavering commitment to positive community change. From her role as an educator to her leadership in community initiatives and the Ogden City Council, Angela has consistently searched for ways to make our community better. Now, she is running to work for you as the State Representative for District 9.

Anna Graff
Utah House District 12
Hi, I’m Anna. Here’s Why I’m Running. “What about everyone else?” A question from my child about the impact of decisions is the foundation of my approach to policy. Whether as a Utah resident speaking on bills during our Legislative Sessions, a member of my City Planning Commission, or a policymaker, I am committed to making sure that “everyone else” is not an afterthought, but the foundation of our policymaking. I’ve seen firsthand how important it is that our leadership listen to the voices of our entire community - people with disabilities, single parents, military families, minorities, retirees, young families, students, and our unhoused residents. I’m running for House District 12 to build bridges, share information, amplify perspectives and voices, and to ensure our state policies are written with dignity for all.

Stacy Bernal
Ogden School Board District 2
Stacy Bernal is running for reelection to the Ogden School Board. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Weber State University with a BA in Communication and she enjoys a meaningful profession in the sports entertainment industry. She is a TEDx speaker, author, and the founder of Awesome Autistic Ogden, an annual community event celebrating neurodiversity and disability.
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