Full Breakdown
Utah Senate President Stuart Adams Concedes Primary Defeat to Stephanie Hollist
6/25/2026, 2:26:05 AM
Primary Result: Adams Loses Senate District 7
Incumbent Senate President Stuart Adams (R-Layton) trailed challenger Stephanie Hollist (R-Fruit Heights) in the June 23, 2026 Republican primary for Utah Senate District 7. Early tallies showed Hollist with about 43 % of the vote, Adams with 35 % and Braden Hess with 22 %. The race remained unofficially uncalled when Adams issued his concession.
Background & Context: Stratos Data Center Debate
Adams, chair of the Military Installation Development Authority, approved the Stratos data center project in Box Elder County. The proposal faced opposition from environmental groups and a majority of Utah voters concerned about ecological impact and perceived lack of transparency. Hollist campaigned on “honesty, transparency, and accountability,” making the data center a central issue.
Data & Statistics
Hollist received 6,481 votes (?43 %) according to Fox 13; Adams garnered 35 % and Hess 22 %. Utah’s voter rolls list 2.1 million registered voters: 1 million Republicans, 297,000 Democrats, and 622,000 unaffiliated. The national super-PAC Make Liberty Win reported spending over $100,000 on ads opposing Adams.
Official Statements & Responses
Adams’ concession highlighted his legislative record in transportation, economic development, water and energy, and thanked staff, supporters, and family. House Speaker Mike Schultz praised Adams for “quiet, thoughtful work” that will benefit Utah for generations. Hollist pledged to “reset the conversation” and lead with collaboration, transparency, and accountability. Make Liberty Win disclosed its spending against Adams.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics cited the Stratos project’s environmental risks and limited public input. Polls indicated that more than half of Utah residents opposed the data center. Hollist’s platform directly challenged Adams’ support, framing the race as a referendum on governmental openness.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Vote-share numbers differ: Fox 13 and KSL report Hollist at 43 %; Deseret News lists 42 %; ABC 4 cites 43.31 %. No official certification has been released, leaving a minor uncertainty about the final margin.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I congratulate my opponent on their victory and wish them every success as they continue the important work of serving the people of Utah.” — Stuart Adams, Senate President
- “My hope is that our great state will continue to lead the nation and remain the number one state in America, a place where families thrive, businesses prosper and opportunity abounds for future generations.” — Stuart Adams
- “I look forward to resetting the conversation and leading with collaboration, transparency, and real accountability,” — Stephanie Hollist, Senate Candidate
- “Many Utahns may never fully appreciate the scope of his impact because so much of his work was done quietly, thoughtfully, and with a focus on long-term results rather than short-term recognition,” — Mike Schultz, House Speaker
Why It Matters
Adams’ loss ends his tenure as the longest-serving Utah Senate president in recent history, potentially reshaping legislative priorities and leadership dynamics. The outcome also signals voter sensitivity to large-scale development projects and a demand for greater transparency.
What’s Next
Hollist will face Democrat Garret Rushforth and Constitution Party nominee Jeffrey Ostler in the November 3, 2026 general election for Senate District 7.
