Sandy's Kirk Cullimore, the current Utah Senate majority leader, is locked in a tight race for Senate president against Sen. Evan Vickers of Cedar City.
The Republican caucus will vote Nov. 6 at 5:30 p.m. to choose its next leader, ABC4 confirmed Oct. 28. Two political insiders who spoke to the outlet called the contest a toss-up.
Cullimore represents Senate District 19 and lives in Sandy with his wife, Heather, and their six children, according to his campaign website. A win would put a local lawmaker at the top of the state's upper chamber.
He still faces voters first. Cullimore is seeking reelection Nov. 3 against Democrat Shana Anderson. His participation in the Nov. 6 leadership vote assumes he wins, as ABC4 noted.
The Senate president seat opened after Senate President Stuart Adams of Layton lost to Stephanie Hollist in June's Republican primary, what ABC4 called a "shocking upset in Utah politics."
Political consultant Taylor Morgan, who contributes to ABC4's Inside Utah Politics, said he believes the race is centering on urban and rural issues. Vickers represents Cedar City, while Cullimore represents urban Salt Lake County.
"The race for Senate President is shaping up to be a very competitive election, and at this point I think it's genuinely difficult to predict the outcome," Morgan told ABC4.
The outcome matters. Morgan said the result will determine committee assignments, chairmanships, other leadership positions and the Senate's policy priorities heading into the 2027 session.
ABC4 also reported that senators are weighing whether to move away from Adams' leadership style, which Vickers once described as "controlling." One insider told the outlet that every senator is considering that question.
The Deseret News described Cullimore as "a strong contender for Senate president" in an Oct. 21 opinion piece. The Salt Lake Tribune's voter guide also noted he is in the running for the post.
Beyond the presidency, the Senate will also choose a majority leader, whip and assistant whip on Nov. 6. Sen. Wayne Harper of Taylorsville is running for majority leader against Sen. Chris Wilson of Logan. Members had until Wednesday, Nov. 4, to file for leadership races.
Five new Republican senators are expected to join the chamber after the Nov. 3 general election, and one insider told ABC4 all five are being courted for their votes.
