A longtime Snyderville Basin resident, attorney and ski industry professional announced Friday she is campaigning to represent District 4 on the Summit County Council in 2026.
Christie Babalis said her decision to run came after learning County Councilor Chris Robinson — who currently represents the newly formed District 4, which encompasses Kimball Junction as well as parts of Pinebrook and Sun Peak — will not run for reelection after 15 years.
“I care deeply about this community — not just where we’ve been, but where we’re going,” Babalis said in a statement. “Summit County has grown and changed a lot in the time I’ve lived here. We have issues now that we didn’t have in the early 2000’s.”
Babalis has lived in District 4 for more than 24 years and was raised just a few minutes away. She works as an attorney, and said she has spent most of her career working in and alongside the ski industry, “giving her a practical understanding of the community pressures, economic engines, environmental realities and infrastructure demands that shape Summit County.”
According to Babalis’ LinkedIn, she holds a law degree from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law and her more than 15 years of experience as an attorney has involved negotiating and drafting commercial contracts, licensing, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions and general corporate work. She works for Park City-based Pacific Group Resorts, which is an “international resort operating company” that manages over 4,000 acres of ski terrain.
Babalis said she will offer a thoughtful, solutions-driven vision for Summit County focused on growth mitigation, traffic improvements and preserving open space. She described herself as an empathetic leader and relationship builder.
Preserving the quality of life for residents in the Snyderville Basin, as well as the character, landscapes and public spaces that make Summit County unique, are top priorities for Babalis, too. Her key priority will be to protect the community “from unfettered growth.”
“Protecting our community means asking the right questions and making decisions with long-term impacts in mind,” she said. “It means infrastructure improvements, protecting open space and wildlife corridors, and real attention to traffic improvement. It means limiting development to appropriate places and really listening to residents. I am concerned about people who don’t live and work in this community making big, impactful decisions that will forever alter the quality of life for those of us who do call this place home.”
Babalis specifically noted the 2034 Winter Olympics. She said Summit County has an opportunity to work with area ski resorts, the state, Park City Municipal and other partners. The ultimate goal: “to fix long-standing infrastructure issues, support local businesses and economy, and improve the quality of life” for residents.
“I believe we can plan for the future in a way that reflects our shared values, respects our heritage and responds to the people who live here,” she said.
Babalis also thanked Robinson for his years of dedicated service and steady leadership. She said as the county continues to evolve, she is optimistic about what lies ahead. Babalis reiterated she’s committed to “good governance, which starts with listening.”
The candidate said she plans to engage with neighbors throughout District 4 to hear diverse perspectives and work together on practical solutions to address issues that impact everyday life.
Babalis said she will be sharing additional information about herself and her campaign in the coming weeks.
The candidate filing window for local elections opens at 8 a.m. on Jan. 2 and closes at 5 p.m. on Jan. 8. The county auditor, sheriff, attorney, clerk and two County Council positions, including Robinson’s and the one held by County Council Vice Chair Canice Harte, will be on the 2026 ballot.
Harte also announced this week that he is seeking reelection to his seat. No other County Council candidates have emerged as of Friday afternoon.