Zach Robinson seeks Salt Lake County Council at-large seat

Zach Robinson, a Democrat, is running for Salt Lake County Council At Large, Seat A in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Asked why he is running, Robinson said in our candidate questionnaire: "I'm running for Salt Lake County Council because too many politicians take the easy way out when our county faces hard challenges. I've never been afraid to run toward problems. As a firefighter and paramedic, I didn't ask about politics when someone needed help. I showed up and got to work." He added: "On the County Council, I'll bring those same approaches to lowering the cost of living, protecting our natural spaces, and investing in the services families rely on."

Four other candidates are in the race: Kathleen Anderson (Republican), Gregory Beglarian (Constitution), Maleah Bliss Caulford (Forward Party) and Olghen Ocean Saintelus (Unaffiliated).

Candidate information

Party: "Democrat," Robinson said in our questionnaire.

Family: "I grew up and lived in various parts of Salt Lake County, and have lived in Sandy since 2009 with my wife, Nichole, and two daughters, Hannah and Haleigh," he said.

Education: "I have a Master of Public Administration from the University of Utah, which I pursued after a serious injury put a halt to my career as a firefighter. I also have a Bachelor's in Political Science from the University of Utah," he said.

Occupation: "I currently work as the operations director for virtual care at the University of Utah Health. I'm a former firefighter and paramedic," he said.

Experience and public service

Robinson said in our questionnaire: "I served on the Sandy City Council for two terms. I currently serve as a member of the UETN Telehealth Advisory Board and the University of Utah Health CME Committee."

He won his first Sandy City Council at-large seat in 2017, defeating incumbent Steve Smith by 12 points, according to the Sandy Journal. He previously spent over 10 years at the Sandy City fire department, where his father also worked.

Asked about accomplishments, Robinson said in our questionnaire: "On the Sandy City Council, I passed the city's anti-idling ordinance in my first year after it had stalled for years. I helped secure the funding to rebuild the Sandy rec center, which desperately needed a revamp for the families who depend on it." He also said he "fought for fair pay and treatment for city employees and for a fair promotion process for firefighters." Outside the council, Robinson said he "founded the First Responder Suicide Awareness Coalition to address the mental health crisis among front-line workers."

On the issues

What sets him apart: Robinson said in our questionnaire: "I'm the only candidate in this race who has actually served in local government. For eight years on the Sandy City Council, I balanced budgets, made tough calls, and worked with colleagues across the aisle to get things done."

Property taxes: Robinson said in our questionnaire: "Taxes are the line item that catches everyone's attention, and so many folks are working hard but barely making ends meet. I take that seriously, so I'll handle tax increases with the scrutiny our community needs. Before asking taxpayers for more, I'd look for savings, use revenue from new growth, and make every tradeoff public." Robinson said the community "can't compromise" on certain essential services: "public safety, first responders, mental health resources, daycares, and senior centers. My priority is restoring funding to those services because the burden shouldn't land on our community. I think that mission is doable without also increasing taxes."

Housing: Robinson said on his campaign website that he would advocate for increased funding for low-income housing programs and incentivize affordable housing so more people can afford to own a home.

Best advice: Robinson said in our questionnaire: "…even people that you may disagree with are your constituents. It's critical to listen to various perspectives, and do everything that you can to seek a solution that will help the broader good."