Jason B. Kyle faces Kim James, Libby Shelton in 2026 Utah House District 8 race

Incumbent Republican Representative Jason B. Kyle faces two challengers in the 2026 race for Utah House District 8: Democrat Kim James and Forward Party candidate Libby Shelton. The district encompasses Huntsville, Eden, Liberty, Ogden, North Ogden, Pleasant View, and Mountain Green, with voters heading to the polls on November 3. As the contest enters its final stages, voters across the 15 tracked races in Weber County are preparing to cast their ballots, with local election officials emphasizing the importance of verifying specific district details through official state filings.

Kyle, a manager at a medical device manufacturer, is seeking to retain his seat after serving on the House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee and the House Revenue and Taxation Committee. His legislative record includes sponsoring bills aimed at requiring a 60% yes vote for ballot initiatives that raise or create taxes, alongside a proposal to require legislative approval for university athletic departments entering private equity deals. Kyle identifies his priorities as reducing taxes and protecting natural resources.

Kim James and Libby Shelton Outline Campaign Priorities

Kim James, a recently retired ordained Methodist minister, is running on a platform focused on environmental protection, affordable healthcare, and fiscal responsibility. James contends that the Republican Party’s long-standing near-absolute power in Utah has led to the dismissal of the public will in favor of corporate interests. She emphasizes that she is not beholden to corporate entities.

Libby Shelton, a therapist specializing in substance use and domestic violence treatment, enters the race as the vice chair of the Weber County chapter of the Forward Party of Utah. Her campaign priorities include securing a free and fair voting system and protecting human and constitutional rights.

Addressing Voter Concerns

• James argued that Utahns feel corruption is an issue because the state’s political leadership has dismissed the needs and will of the people due to insular power structures.
• Shelton suggested that voters perceive corruption due to the questionable ties many public servants have to projects over which they hold authority, coupled with a lack of transparent communication.

Policy Perspectives on Natural Resources

The candidates have also outlined their approaches to the state’s environmental challenges, specifically regarding water management. When asked about balancing growth with the preservation of the Great Salt Lake and the Colorado River, Kim James stated, The Great Salt Lake is in crisis, and we must act immediately to save it.

As the election approaches, voters in Weber County can verify their specific district information and ballot details through the official election filings. Mail ballots must be dropped in a designated box or be in the possession of the clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day.