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SALT LAKE CITY – A first-term member of the Salt Lake County Council has decided not to run for a second term after all.
Sheldon Stewart initially announced Thursday that he would run for reelection, promising to focus on "reducing the size of Salt Lake County government."
But one day later, Stewart said he changed his mind.
"After deep reflection and consultation with my family, I have decided to withdraw my candidacy for reelection to the Salt Lake County Council, District 5," Stewart wrote Friday on social media. "This was not an easy decision but knowing strong conservatives have already expressed interest I am comfortable with the decision as well."
Stewart, a Republican who took office in 2023, joins fellow council member Aimee Winder Newton in not running for reelection. Winder Newton, a former GOP gubernatorial candidate who has served on the County Council since 2014, announced Thursday she will call it quits after her third term ends in 2027.
Two other members of the Salt Lake County Council whose seats are on the 2026 ballot said they will seek another term. Laurie Stringham, a Republican, and Jiro Johnson, a Democrat, both told KSL they plan to run this year for reelection.
The Salt Lake County Council is composed of nine members and currently has a 5-4 Republican majority.
