The Summit County Council is expected to remain all-blue, with the early election of Democrat Megan McKenna to Seat C for her first term.

McKenna, a Park City High School graduate, former science teacher and housing advocate for Mountainlands Community Housing Trust, was leading ahead of Republican Ari Ioannides according to preliminary election results.

According to results from the Summit County Clerk’s Office as of Thursday evening, the Democrat had received 8,028 votes, or 53%, compared to 7,002 votes, or 47%, cast for the Republican.

Ioannides had a strong showing among voters in eastern Summit County, particularly those in Coalville, Francis, Hoytsville and Kamas. However, McKenna excelled in West Side communities such as Old Town, Highland Estates, Park West, Pinebrook and Summit Park.

McKenna acknowledged Thursday that he had a big lead over Ioannides, but wanted to wait to claim victory until the Clerk’s Office finished counting the votes.

“It will be a privilege and an honor to represent the younger and future generations and hard-working people of Summit County who deserve a voice,” McKenna said. “I have been impressed by the support, encouragement and participation of the community throughout this process. “I’m excited to bring a broader and different perspective.”

McKenna’s campaign was built around addressing issues such as affordable housing, the workforce, and the need for diversity in local government. Aspires to be a voice for the working class and young families.

His experiences growing up in Park City showed him the connections between those issues and how weather, traffic and tourism also play a role. McKenna also focuses on regional collaboration and responsible growth.

Ioannides called McKenna on Friday afternoon to congratulate her on the victory.

He said the election result was not what he expected, but he is proud of the campaign he ran. His platform was based on expanding representation on the County Council and building bipartisan relationships at the federal, state and local levels.

“To everyone who supported me, volunteered, or voted for me, thank you for believing in this mission. Their commitment and dedication made this journey meaningful,” Ioannides said. “On a personal level, this trip has given me countless new friendships, strengthened connections, and a deeper appreciation for our community. “I am grateful for every person who made this campaign possible and for the unforgettable moments we have shared.”

Ioannides said he knew it would be an uphill battle to win the election as a Republican, and he is disappointed that about a third of the population has “virtually no voice.” He speculated that taxes would increase, there would be fewer generational homeowners and more housing would be built on the East Side rather than in the Snyderville Basin.

“Some of these things are going to happen and, you know, I would have worked hard to prevent them. That’s what saddens me a little, but it’s reality. That’s the county we live in now,” Ioannides said.

He advocated for amending the way elections are run in Summit County “because without that change, we are stuck and Park City will run the county.” Ioannides suggested creating districts such as Snyderville Basin, North Summit and South Summit, in addition to two at-large seats to ensure there is fair representation for each geographic region.

The County Council is currently made up of five at-large seats with staggered elections. Seats A, B and C were on the ballot this year, while D and E were on the ballot in November 2022.

Seat C is held by County Council President Malena Stevens, who did not run for re-election. McKenna will be sworn in sometime in January.

Ioannides, treasurer of the North Summit Fire Service District and former executive director of the Park City Institute, now called Park City Performing Arts, did not rule out future public service. However, he said he would be very picky about what he decides to do. She is passionate about nonprofit organizations and the preservation of open spaces.

The election results are not official until they are certified by the canvass on November 19.

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