Zach Robinson seeks Salt Lake County Council at-large seat

Zach Robinson, a Democrat and Sandy City Council member, is running for Salt Lake County Council At Large, Seat A in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Kathleen Anderson (Republican), Gregory Beglarian (Constitution), Maleah Bliss Caulford (Forward Party) and Olghen Ocean Saintelus (Unaffiliated).

Asked why he is running, Robinson said in our candidate questionnaire: "I'm running for Salt Lake County Council because too many politicians take the easy way out when our county faces hard challenges. I've never been afraid to run toward problems." He added: "On the Sandy City Council, I didn't dodge tough issues. I dug in, brought people together, and delivered results."

Candidate information

Party: "Democrat"

Occupation: "I currently work as the operations director for virtual care at the University of Utah Health. I'm a former firefighter and paramedic."

Education: "I have a Master of Public Administration from the University of Utah, which I pursued after a serious injury put a halt to my career as a firefighter. I also have a Bachelor's in Political Science from the University of Utah."

Family: "I grew up and lived in various parts of Salt Lake County, and have lived in Sandy since 2009 with my wife, Nichole, and two daughters, Hannah and Haleigh."

All candidate information quotes above are from Robinson's responses to our questionnaire.

Experience and public service

Robinson won his first Sandy City Council at-large seat in 2017, defeating incumbent Steve Smith by 12 points, according to the Sandy Journal. He previously spent over 10 years at the Sandy City fire department, where his father also worked.

Asked about his public service, Robinson said in our questionnaire: "I served on the Sandy City Council for two terms. I currently serve as a member of the UETN Telehealth Advisory Board and the University of Utah Health CME Committee. I formerly served as an active member of the Sandy City Firefighters union."

Asked what sets him apart, Robinson said: "I'm the only candidate in this race who has actually served in local government. For eight years on the Sandy City Council, I balanced budgets, made tough calls, and worked with colleagues across the aisle to get things done."

Robinson pointed to specific results. On accomplishments, he said: "On the Sandy City Council, I passed the city's anti-idling ordinance in my first year after it had stalled for years. I helped secure the funding to rebuild the Sandy rec center … I fought for fair pay and treatment for city employees and for a fair promotion process for firefighters. Outside the council, I founded the First Responder Suicide Awareness Coalition to address the mental health crisis among front-line workers."

On the issues

Property taxes: Asked about tax rates and truth-in-taxation increases, Robinson said: "Taxes are the line item that catches everyone's attention, and so many folks are working hard but barely making ends meet. I take that seriously, so I'll handle tax increases with the scrutiny our community needs." He said there are "essential services our community relies on that we can't compromise: public safety, first responders, mental health resources, daycares, and senior centers. My priority is restoring funding to those services because the burden shouldn't land on our community. I think that mission is doable without also increasing taxes."

Housing: Robinson said on his campaign website that he supports increased funding for low-income housing programs and incentivizing affordable housing development. He also said he would seek to balance property owners' rights with tenants' rights.

Environment: Robinson said on his campaign website he would work toward strategies to improve air quality and conserve water.

Public safety: Robinson said on his campaign website he supports ensuring public safety personnel have adequate resources and training.