Kirk A. Cullimore, the Republican Senate majority leader, is running for reelection to Utah State Senate District 19 on Nov. 3. He faces Democratic candidate Shana Anderson.

Cullimore lives in Sandy with his wife, Heather, and their six children, according to his campaign website. He serves on the Community Council at Brookwood Elementary, where he also accompanies the school choir.

Candidate information

  • Party: Republican
  • Office sought: Utah State Senate, District 19
  • Election date: Nov. 3
  • Residence: Sandy, Utah
  • Education: Associate's degree in music, Utah Valley University (1997); bachelor's degree in music, Brigham Young University (2000); juris doctor, University of Oklahoma (2009)
  • Professional background: President at Sentinel Security Life Insurance Co.; attorney at KCJR Legal; former attorney at Law Office of Kirk A. Cullimore (2012–2023) and Brown & Cullimore Law Office (2009–2011); former music teacher

Experience and public service

Cullimore was first elected to the Utah State Senate in 2018, winning the District 9 general election with 65% of the vote, according to Ballotpedia. He served as assistant Republican whip from 2020 to 2024. He became Senate majority leader on Jan. 21, 2025, according to Ballotpedia.

He has represented District 19 since 2022, according to BallotReady profile data.

On the issues

The following positions reflect Cullimore's own statements as provided through candidate questionnaire responses and his campaign website.

Housing and the economy: Cullimore has said the legislature would consider tax cuts and infrastructure investment. "We've got to encourage more development of homes, particularly first-time homes, affordable homes that new families can buy into," he said, according to Ballotpedia.

Taxes and budget: Cullimore said he believes Utahns should keep more of the money they earn, according to his campaign website.

Education: Cullimore said he believes strong schools, outstanding teachers and engaged parents prepare the next generation, according to his campaign website.

Energy and technology: Cullimore said AI will affect all parts of the economy and society. "But AI is not possible without significant energy," he said, according to Ballotpedia.

Candidate positions were drawn from Cullimore's campaign website, Ballotpedia questionnaire responses and BallotReady profile data. The Sandy Herald did not interview the candidate for this profile.