Wasatch County Debate Sees Low Turnout Ahead of Primary Election

Only 10 of 22 candidates attended the first local debate organized by the Wasatch County Republican Women's Club.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:45pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty debate stage with a solitary podium, bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of melancholy and the lack of community participation in the political process.The sparse attendance at the first Wasatch County debate ahead of the primary election raises concerns about candidate engagement and commitment to public service.Hideout Today

A few dozen Wasatch County residents and 10 of the 22 candidates running for various elected offices attended a three-hour debate at Wasatch High School on Wednesday. The debate, organized by the Wasatch County Republican Women's Club, was the first local event ahead of the upcoming primary election, but the short notice and timing during spring break resulted in low turnout from candidates.

Why it matters

The debate provided an opportunity for residents to hear directly from candidates, but the lack of participation from many running for office raised concerns about commitment to public service. The sheriff's race, in particular, was a focus given an investigation into alleged misconduct by the incumbent.

The details

Dr. Neysa Holmes with the Wasatch County Republican Women's Club organized the debate and invited all candidates regardless of party affiliation. However, only 10 of the 22 candidates attended, with some citing scheduling conflicts due to the short notice and timing during spring break. The debate largely focused on the county's rapid growth and the sheriff's race, which featured all three candidates - incumbent Sheriff Jared Rigby, Wasatch County Emergency Management Director Jeremy Hales, and Summit County Sheriff's Office Detective Eric Mainord.

  • The debate took place on Wednesday, April 3, 2026.
  • The Wasatch County Republican and Democratic conventions will be held next week, on April 11 and 12 respectively.
  • The Wasatch County primary election is scheduled for June 23, 2026.

The players

Dr. Neysa Holmes

Organizer of the debate and member of the Wasatch County Republican Women's Club.

Patty Sprunt

Wasatch County Republican Party Chair, who stated the local GOP was not involved in the debate.

Michelle Mallery

Wasatch County Democratic Party Chair, who also stated her party was not involved in the debate.

Patrick Saucier

Democratic candidate for Wasatch County Council Seat A, who attended the debate as an observer.

Sheriff Jared Rigby

Incumbent Wasatch County Sheriff seeking reelection.

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What they’re saying

“I understand that schedules can be full. However, public service requires a level of commitment that does not always align with convenience. When you take an oath to serve, availability is not conditional. The community is paying attention. Not just to 'what is said,' but to 'who shows up.'”

— Dr. Neysa Holmes, Organizer of the debate

“I also feel like meeting one-on-one with the employees helps a great deal, and especially over the last year, it has. There have been those that, unfortunately, have retired, have left the Sheriff's Office because they felt uncomfortable with this or that, and I feel badly about that. Even though there are individuals who are frustrated with the ending of their careers, I hope they know, and I hope all of you know, too, that we so very much appreciate their service and love them, and they always have a place in our office.”

— Sheriff Jared Rigby, Incumbent Wasatch County Sheriff

“I, for years, had dreams where I woke up, and I could literally taste the graham crackers. That was an example of the stress law enforcement officers go through, which I hope to mitigate as sheriff by spending as much one-on-one time with my employees as possible.”

— Eric Mainord, Wasatch County Sheriff Candidate

What’s next

The Wasatch County Republican and Democratic conventions will be held next week, on April 11 and 12 respectively, where delegates will nominate candidates to represent their parties on the ballot. A primary election is scheduled for June 23, 2026.

The takeaway

The low turnout at the first Wasatch County debate ahead of the primary election raises concerns about some candidates' commitment to public service and engagement with the community. The sheriff's race, in particular, remains a focus due to an investigation into alleged misconduct by the incumbent, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability in local government.