The Summit County Council is projected to remain all blue, with Democrat Megan McKenna’s anticipated election to Seat C for her first term.
McKenna — a Park City High School graduate, former science teacher and Mountainlands Community Housing Trust housing advocate — was leading ahead of Republican Ari Ioannides based on preliminary election results.
According to results from the Summit County Clerk’s Office as of Thursday night, the Democrat had received 8,028 votes, or 53%, compared to 7,002 votes, or 47%, cast for the Republican.
Ioannides made a strong showing among eastern Summit County voters, particularly those in Coalville, Francis, Hoytsville and Kamas. However, McKenna was the standout in West Side communities like Old Town, Highland Estates, Park West, Pinebrook and Summit Park.
McKenna on Thursday recognized she held a strong lead over Ioannides, but she wanted to wait to claim victory until the Clerk’s Office finished counting ballots.
“It will be a privilege and an honor to represent the younger and future generations and the hardworking people of Summit County that deserve a voice,” McKenna said. “I’ve been blown away by the support and encouragement and engagement of the community throughout this process. I’m excited to be able to bring a broader, different perspective”
McKenna’s campaign was rooted in addressing issues such as affordable housing, the workforce and the need for diversity in local government. She aspires to be a voice for the working class and young families.
Her experiences growing up in Park City showed her the connections between those issues as well as how climate, traffic and tourism play a role, too. McKenna is also focused on regional collaboration and responsible growth.
Ioannides called McKenna on Friday afternoon to congratulate her on the win.
He said the outcome of the election wasn’t what he hoped, but he’s proud of the campaign he ran. His platform was rooted in broadening representation on the County Council and building bipartisan relationships at the federal, state and local levels.
“To everyone who supported, volunteered, or cast their vote for me, thank you for believing in this mission. Your engagement and dedication made this journey meaningful,” Ioannides said. “On a personal note, this journey has gifted me with countless new friendships, strengthened connections, and a deeper appreciation for our community. I am thankful for each person who made this campaign possible and for the unforgettable moments we’ve shared.”
Ioannides said he knew it would be an uphill battle to win the election as a Republican, and he’s disappointed that around one-third of the population will “virtually have no voice.” He speculated taxes would go up, there would be fewer generational homeowners, and more housing would be built on the East Side rather than in the Snyderville Basin.
“Some of these things are going to occur that, you know, I would have worked hard to sort of prevent. So that’s kind of what just makes me a little sad, but it’s the reality. That’s the county we live in right now,” Ioannides said.
He advocated for amending how elections in Summit County are run “because without that change, we’re a lock, and it’ll just be Park City running the county.” Ioannides suggested creating districts such as the Snyderville Basin, North Summit and South Summit, plus two at-large seats to ensure there’s fair representation for each geographic region.
The County Council is currently made up of five at-large seats with staggered elections. Seats A, B and C were on the ballot this year, while D and E were on the ballot in November 2022.
Seat C is held by County Council Chair Malena Stevens, who did not run for reelection. McKenna will be sworn in sometime in January.
Ioannides, the treasurer of the North Summit Fire Service District and the former executive director of the Park City Institute, now called Park City Performing Arts, didn’t rule out future public service. However, he said he would be very picky about what he chooses to do. He’s passionate about nonprofit organizations and preserving open space.
Election results are not official until certified by the canvass on Nov. 19.