Utah House District 38: Chris McConnehey vs. Gloria Vindas
Two candidates for the June Republican Primary in HD 38 around West Jordan in western Salt Lake County.
About this position
Utah House District 38 (“HD38”) represents portions of West Jordan in the Utah House of Representatives.
State representatives serve two-year terms and vote on state laws affecting education, transportation, taxes, public safety, economic development, health care, and other issues that impact Utah families and communities.
The winner of this race will replace Rep. Cheryl Acton (R), who is stepping down at the end of the current term. House District 38 covers parts of western Salt Lake County, like West Jordan. Find your district.
Candidates
Chris McConnehey
About: Chris McConnehey is a lifelong West Jordan resident, husband, and father of five. He was educated at Westminster University in Salt Lake City and works in the technology sector as an Executive Product Advisor focused on reporting and analytics systems. Mr. McConnehey represented District 1 of West Jordan on the City Council for 12 years (2014–2026).
Top Priorities (from campaign materials): Transparency, accountability, fiscal responsibility; Local control and decision-making; Public safety, emergency preparedness; Protecting individual liberties, limiting government action; and more.
Insights: During his years of City Council service, Mr. McConnehey built a record of practical governance, with an emphasis on budgeting, infrastructure, and bipartisan problem-solving. He was twice elected by the council to serve as chair.
Supporters value his ability to work with people who hold differing views to deliver results at the local level. He is also known for a strategic perspective, adhering to community planning processes and questioning rezoning requests when they conflicted with previously approved plans. He qualified for the ballot through signature gathering, which involves gathering verified signatures from at least 1,000 Republicans in his district.
Gloria Vindas
About: Gloria Vindas is a longtime Utah resident, a wife, mother, and grandmother. Her campaign highlights decades of community involvement in the Republican Party. She has served as a state and county delegate, previously served on the Utah Republican State Central Committee, and is Vice President of the Women’s Republican Club of Salt Lake. Her campaign also emphasizes her relationships with elected officials and grassroots activists.
Top Priorities (from campaign materials): Limited government and individual liberty; Fiscal responsibility and local control; Protection of constitutional rights; Support for Utah families and conservative values.
Insights: Her deep involvement in Republican politics over many years has earned her endorsements from several Republican elected officials and conservative leaders, including outgoing HD38 Rep. Cheryl Acton and outgoing Congressman Burgess Owens. Ms. Vindas does not appear to have direct governing or legislative experience.
We note that Ms. Vindas qualified for the ballot by winning a majority of delegate votes at the state Republican convention, which tends to mean getting 50–100 votes from Republican delegates, who skew ultraconservative in most districts.
Recommendation:
We recommend Chris McConnehey in this race. His governing experience and record of integrity, strategic planning, fiscal discipline, and collaborative problem-solving would bring strength to the state legislature should he be elected.
What’s Next?
The winner of the Republican primary will advance to the November general election for Utah House District 38 to face unaffiliated candidate Sergio Sotelo in the general election. There is no Democratic or other party candidate in this race.