2026 Midterms · U.S. House · Utah Safe
Utah — 3rd District
Democratic
Kent Udell
Republican
Celeste Maloy
Incumbent
Incumbent Republican Celeste Maloy faces Democratic nominee Kent Udell in the 2026 general election for Utah's 3rd Congressional District. Maloy, who was elected to the 2nd District in a 2023 special election and re-elected in 2024, is seeking election in UT-03 following state remapping and a Republican primary victory over Phil Lyman. Udell, a mechanical engineering professor and water resources researcher, advanced automatically after the Democratic primary was canceled. Major handicappers—including The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill—rate the race as Solid Republican or Safe Republican.
Public Lands & Water Resources
high salienceMaloy advocates shifting public land management authority away from federal bureaucrats to local Utah ranchers and farmers, while Udell stresses urgent protection of Western water systems and public land preservation.
Energy
high salienceMaloy focuses on rolling back federal regulations to expand domestic fossil fuel refining capacity, whereas Udell favors a science-driven, all-of-the-above approach centered on clean-energy innovation.
Border Security & Immigration
high salienceMaloy prioritizes funding border wall construction and mandatory detention/deportation bills, while Udell advocates for humane legislative reform that protects Fourth Amendment rights.
Economy, Taxes & Spending
high salienceMaloy highlights supporting major federal tax cuts on tips, overtime, and Social Security along with spending reductions, while Udell emphasizes broader fiscal responsibility aligned with rule of law and civil liberties.
Gun Rights & Safety
medium salienceMaloy opposes all federal gun restrictions, whereas Udell backs Second Amendment ownership alongside red flag laws, safe storage requirements, and gun safety training.
Government Integrity & Anti-Corruption
medium salienceMaloy highlights legislative votes mandating voter proof-of-citizenship and limiting court injunctions, while Udell focuses on curbing dark money and rejecting corporate PAC dollars.