Seven Candidates Vie for Utah's New Third Congressional District

The field includes three Republicans, two Democrats, and one Constitution Party member as the state's redistricting battle winds down.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 4:32am

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As the legal battle over Utah's congressional map comes to a close, candidates are announcing their bids for the state's newly created Third Congressional District. The field includes three Republicans, two Democrats, and one Constitution Party member, each with their own platforms and backgrounds.

Why it matters

The race for Utah's Third Congressional District will help shape the political landscape of the state, with candidates from across the ideological spectrum vying for the seat. The outcome could impact key issues like border security, energy policy, and public lands management.

The details

The Republican candidates include Celeste Maloy, the current Representative for Utah's Second District, as well as Tyler Murset, who is pushing a novel app-based voting system, and Phil Lyman, a former San Juan County Commissioner. The Democratic candidates are Steven Merrill, a software developer, and Kent Stewart Udell, a former engineer and educator. Cassie Easley is running on the Constitution Party ticket.

  • The legal battle over Utah's congressional map is winding down, giving candidates a clearer picture of which districts they'll run in.
  • Candidates have begun officially announcing their bids for the newly created Third Congressional District.

The players

Cassie Easley

A candidate for the Constitution Party, Easley believes in limited government and says the current government has overstepped its delegated power.

Steven Merrill

A Democratic candidate with experience in software development, Merrill is running on a platform of rebuilding community, supporting the working class, and honest leadership.

Kent Stewart Udell

A former engineer and educator running as a Democrat, Udell is campaigning on upholding the Constitution, the rule of law, and solving problems with integrity.

Celeste Maloy

The current Republican Representative for Utah's Second District, Maloy is running on a platform of securing the border, protecting religious freedoms, and defending the Second Amendment.

Tyler Murset

A Republican candidate with an MBA, Murset is pushing an app that would allow citizens to directly influence his votes on bills.

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What they’re saying

“Consider me to represent you Constitutionally, together we can regain our Liberty.”

— Cassie Easley

“We need to rebuild the community we've lost – a society where we remove obstacles that cause struggle and create policies for everyday people. We can have a future that works for us, not against us – one where good, honest, and hardworking Utahns thrive again.”

— Steven Merrill

“We deserve a Representative who tells the truth, truly honors their oath to uphold our sacred Constitution, and solves real problems with honesty, evidence, and integrity.”

— Kent Stewart Udell

What’s next

As the legal battle over Utah's congressional map winds down, candidates will continue to officially announce their bids for the newly created Third Congressional District.

The takeaway

The race for Utah's Third Congressional District will feature a diverse field of candidates, reflecting the state's political landscape. Voters will have a range of ideological choices as they determine who will represent them in Congress.