Erin Longacre, the Republican appointee to the Utah State Board of Education District 7 seat, is running in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election to keep the position for the rest of an unexpired term. She faces Democrat James Martin.

District 7 covers the southeast portion of Salt Lake County. The seat opened after Dr. Molly Hart was selected as state superintendent, according to ABC4. Governor Spencer Cox appointed Longacre on July 29, 2025, to fill the vacancy.

Candidate information

  • Party: Republican
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, Villanova University (2004)

Experience and public service

Longacre has served on the Utah State Board of Education representing District 7 since her July 2025 appointment. She previously ran for the Canyons School District Board in District 6 in 2022, according to ABC4.

On the issues

Longacre outlined her priorities in a BallotReady candidate questionnaire. The positions below are her own stated responses.

Education: Longacre said she supports creating "the most optimal learning environment for each student," reducing testing, supporting teachers and smarter use of technology.

Taxes and budget: Longacre said she supports fiscal responsibility.

Longacre's issue positions are drawn from her responses to a BallotReady candidate questionnaire. They reflect the candidate's own stated views.