Who's In the Race

Republican Celeste Maloy faces Democrat Kent Udell, Libertarian Michael Stoddard, Constitution Party candidate Cassie Easley, and independent Adonis Hooslyn in the Nov. 3 general election in Utah's 3rd Congressional District. The seat is open because Rep. Mike Kennedy (R-UT) is running in Utah's 4th District. A court-adopted congressional map is in effect for Utah's 2026 elections, redrawing the district's boundaries. ​

Maloy has served in the U.S. House since 2023, representing the old 2nd District, and sits on the House Appropriations and Natural Resources committees; before Congress, she worked for a decade as a soil conservationist and later as an attorney. She won the Republican primary with about 67 percent of the vote over Phil Lyman.

Udell is a mechanical engineer, educator, and researcher whose work has focused on water issues and environmental remediation; he developed groundwater cleanup technologies used to remove toxic contamination from aquifers and protect drinking water. He ran unopposed in the Democratic primary.

What They Stand For

Maloy has proposed expanding domestic energy production and defending Utah's access to natural resources and public lands, according to her official House website. She's also supported:

  • Securing the border, including funding for the border wall and border technology,
  • Cutting taxes; and
  • A strong national defense and protecting Utah's military installations.

Udell says Utah needs to protect water supplies for homes and agriculture while addressing shortages, according to Utah Public Radio. He has also :

  • Addressed rising prices, health care costs, and housing development concerns, according to the Park Record;
  • Opposed certain changes affecting national monuments; and
  • Proposed a different approach to nuclear energy than Maloy, according to the Utah News Dispatch.

The Money Behind the Race

Federal Election Commission filings show Maloy raised about $1.5 million through June 30 and had about $322,000 in cash on hand. Udell raised about $48,000 through June 30 and had about $13,000 in the bank.

Outside groups spent about $1.6 million in this race as of Oct. 13, the bulk of it backing Maloy. Defending Our Values PAC was the largest spender, putting about $999,000 in support of Maloy; Keeping America Strong PAC spent $300,000 opposing her; and the American Conservation Coalition PAC spent about $232,000 supporting her.

Race Outlook: Ratings and Betting Markets

Cook Political Report rated the race Solid Republican as of Oct. 9; Sabato's Crystal Ball rated it Solid Republican as of Oct. 11; and Inside Elections rated it Solid Republican as of Oct. 2.

In 2022, Republican John R. Curtis won the 3rd District with about 64 percent of the vote. In 2024, Republican Mike Kennedy won the seat with about 66 percent. Republicans won all four of Utah's U.S. House seats in both 2022 and 2024. Donald Trump carried Utah in the 2024 presidential election with about 59 percent of the vote.

Voters in Utah can register online or by mail through Friday, Oct. 23, by 5 p.m.; same-day registration is available in person at an early-voting location or an Election Day voting location through Tuesday, Nov. 3. Mail ballot applications are due by Tuesday, Oct. 27. Polls on Election Day are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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