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Matt MacPherson

From Ballotpedia
Matt MacPherson
Candidate, Utah House of Representatives District 26
Utah House of Representatives District 26
Tenure
2023 - Present
Term ends
2027
Years in position
2
Predecessor:Quinn Kotter (R)
Compensation
Base salary
$301/legislative day
Per diem
Per diem is reimbursed to state legislators when they submit receipts or turn in expense reports.
Elections and appointments
Last election
November 5, 2024
Next convention
April 18, 2026
Personal
Birthplace
Las Vegas, NV
Religion
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Profession
Business owner
Contact

Matt MacPherson (Republican Party) is a member of theUtah House of Representatives, representingDistrict 26. He assumed office on October 10, 2023. His current term ends on January 1, 2027.

MacPherson (Republican Party) is running for re-election to theUtah House of Representatives to representDistrict 26. He declared candidacy for the Republican convention scheduled onApril 18, 2026.[source]

A Utah Republican delegation appointed MacPherson to theUtah House of Representatives District 26 on October 4, 2023, to replaceQuinn Kotter (R). He was sworn in on October 10, 2023.[1]

Biography

Matt MacPherson was born inLas Vegas, Nevada.[2] His career experience includes working as a business owner.[3]

Sponsored legislation

The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according toBillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.

Elections

2026

See also: Utah House of Representatives elections, 2026

General election

The primary will occur on June 23, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.

Democratic primary

Democratic primary for Utah House of Representatives District 26

Darrell Curtis (D) is running in the Democratic primary for Utah House of Representatives District 26 on June 23, 2026.


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Republican primary

Republican primary for Utah House of Representatives District 26

IncumbentMatt MacPherson (R) is running in the Republican primary for Utah House of Representatives District 26 on June 23, 2026.


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Democratic convention

Democratic convention for Utah House of Representatives District 26

Darrell Curtis (D) andMichael Finch (D) are running in the Democratic convention for Utah House of Representatives District 26 on April 11, 2026.


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Republican convention

Republican convention for Utah House of Representatives District 26

IncumbentMatt MacPherson (R) is running in the Republican convention for Utah House of Representatives District 26 on April 18, 2026.


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Utah Forward Party convention

Utah Forward convention for Utah House of Representatives District 26

Travis Alico (Utah Forward Party) is running in the Utah Forward Party convention for Utah House of Representatives District 26 on March 28, 2026.


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Endorsements

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2024

See also: Utah House of Representatives elections, 2024

General election

General election for Utah House of Representatives District 26

IncumbentMatt MacPherson defeatedJeanetta Williams in the general election for Utah House of Representatives District 26 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Matt MacPherson
Matt MacPherson (R) Candidate Connection
 
53.6
 
7,338
Image of Jeanetta Williams
Jeanetta Williams (D)
 
46.4
 
6,347

Ballotpedia Logo

Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 13,685
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled.Jeanetta Williams advanced from the Democratic primary for Utah House of Representatives District 26.

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. IncumbentMatt MacPherson advanced from the Republican primary for Utah House of Representatives District 26.

Democratic convention

Democratic convention for Utah House of Representatives District 26

Jeanetta Williams advanced from the Democratic convention for Utah House of Representatives District 26 on March 30, 2024.

Candidate
Image of Jeanetta Williams
Jeanetta Williams (D)

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There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified.

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Republican convention

Republican convention for Utah House of Representatives District 26

IncumbentMatt MacPherson advanced from the Republican convention for Utah House of Representatives District 26 on April 13, 2024.

Candidate
Image of Matt MacPherson
Matt MacPherson (R) Candidate Connection

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Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

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Endorsements

To view MacPherson's endorsements as published by their campaign,click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for MacPherson in this election.

Pledges

MacPherson signed the following pledges.

  • U.S. Term Limits

2020

See also: Utah House of Representatives elections, 2020

General election

General election for Utah House of Representatives District 31

IncumbentElizabeth Weight defeatedMatt MacPherson in the general election for Utah House of Representatives District 31 on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Elizabeth Weight
Elizabeth Weight (D)
 
56.6
 
6,261
Image of Matt MacPherson
Matt MacPherson (R) Candidate Connection
 
43.4
 
4,799

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Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 11,060
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic convention

Democratic convention for Utah House of Representatives District 31

IncumbentElizabeth Weight advanced from the Democratic convention for Utah House of Representatives District 31 on April 25, 2020.

Candidate
Image of Elizabeth Weight
Elizabeth Weight (D)

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Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican convention

Republican convention for Utah House of Representatives District 31

Matt MacPherson defeatedMichael Beynon in the Republican convention for Utah House of Representatives District 31 on April 25, 2020.


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There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

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Candidate Connection

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2024

Candidate Connection

Matt MacPherson completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by MacPherson's responses.

Expand all |Collapse all

I have been a resident of West Valley City for over 20 years. As a small business owner, parent, and active community member, I am deeply committed to the success and growth of the West Side. Over the years, I have dedicated significant time to supporting local programs, businesses, and charities, and I currently serve on the West Valley City Police Department's oversight committee. My political involvement includes serving on the Salt Lake County GOP Bylaws Committee and holding roles as precinct chair, as well as county and state delegate.

My legislative priorities include addressing the need for affordable housing, promoting economic development, improving education, advancing gun safety, and enhancing mental health resources. I am driven by a passion for making a positive impact on the community and believe these issues are key to ensuring West Valley City's future success. With a proven track record of voting in line with my constituents' needs and genuinely listening to their concerns, I am eager to continue my service.

I value connecting with voters and encourage open conversations about the issues that matter most. If you have questions or ideas, please reach out—your voice is important to me. I hope to be reelected to continue the work I have started for all Utahns.
  • I believe that sound financial management is key to a prosperous society. I advocate for careful oversight of the state’s budget, ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely with long-term economic health in mind. As your Representative, I will continue to push for transparent fiscal policies, responsible spending, and reducing bureaucratic waste to safeguard our state’s financial future.I am also committed to addressing housing affordability. I believe every Utahn deserves the opportunity to own a home, and I support policies that increase affordable housing options and lower barriers to homeownership across the state.
  • In the realm of fiscal responsibility, I firmly believe that sound financial management is the foundation of a prosperous society. I advocate for careful oversight of the state’s budget to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, focusing on long-term economic health.As your Representative, I will continue to push for transparent fiscal policies, responsible spending, and the reduction of unnecessary bureaucratic expenses. By fostering a culture of fiscal responsibility, I aim to protect our state’s financial well-being for current and future generations.
  • I believe that in a free marketplace of ideas, parents should have the option to choose where to send their children for schooling, regardless of their background or zip code.I recognize that a child’s educational foundation is vital to their future success, which is why I am dedicated to expanding school choice. This approach fosters a competitive environment where teachers are supported, parents are empowered, and the focus of education remains on what matters most: the children.
I am passionate about:

- Affordable Housing
- Economic Development
- Public Education
- Mental Health
- Gun Safety
- Law Enforcement
- First Amendment Rights

- Parental Rights
We live in a district with a wide range of views and backgrounds, it's so important to stay committed to listening to everyone. I make it a priority to understand the different perspectives in our community, making sure that every voice is heard and valued.

Collaboration is key. I work with both Republicans and Democrats because I believe bipartisanship leads to real solutions that benefit all of us. I've shown time and again that I'm willing to reach across the aisle to build relationships that get things done.

Above all, I believe in integrity, transparency, and hard work. By staying accountable and listening with empathy, I aim to represent the diverse needs of our district and help create a better future for everyone.
As a Republican running in a swing district, I believe the core responsibilities for someone elected to office are clear:

First, we must be accountable to the people who put us in office. That means listening to all voices, working hard to address their concerns, and making sure government works for them—not the other way around. We need to foster transparency, integrity, and a willingness to tackle the tough issues.

Second, I believe a representative must prioritize keeping the community safe, fostering economic growth, and protecting individual freedoms. That includes reducing government overreach, ensuring that families can thrive, and supporting local businesses so they can create jobs and boost our economy.

Finally, we need to work to bridge divides. In a swing district like ours, I’m committed to finding common ground and passing policies that benefit everyone, regardless of party affiliation. That’s how we move forward—by focusing on practical, sensible solutions that put people first.
As a father, the legacy I want to leave is all about creating a better future for my kids and families in our community. Becoming a parent changed my perspective on everything. It really hit home how important it is for our children to have the opportunities they need to thrive in whatever path they choose. That’s a big reason why I decided to run for office.

I want my kids to grow up in a place where they can afford a home, get a quality education, and live in a safe, supportive environment. I’m passionate about tackling the challenges we face today, like housing affordability and the rising cost of living, so we can make that future a reality.

Ultimately, I hope to leave a legacy of service, integrity, and real progress. When my kids look back, I want them to see that I stood up for what mattered most—ensuring they and others have a chance to succeed and thrive in this great state of Utah.
Over the next decade, I believe one of Utah's greatest challenges will be addressing housing affordability and the rising cost of living. We’ve seen rapid population growth, which has put immense pressure on our housing market, driving up prices and making it harder for families—especially young families—to find affordable homes. If we don’t tackle this issue head-on, it will continue to push people out of our communities and strain our economy.

The solution lies in smart policies that promote growth while removing unnecessary red tape that slows down housing development. We need to streamline regulations, encourage innovation in the housing sector, and work with both private developers and local governments to expand affordable housing options.

Additionally, we have to focus on keeping Utah a place where families can thrive by addressing the overall cost of living. This means ensuring that wages keep pace with inflation, keeping taxes low, and reducing the burden of everyday expenses. By working together, we can make sure Utah remains a place where people can afford to live, work, and raise a family.
As an incumbent, I believe having previous experience in government or politics can be incredibly beneficial for state legislators. Experience provides a deeper understanding of how to navigate the legislative process, build relationships, and effectively advocate for the needs of our communities. It allows us to hit the ground running and tackle complex issues like housing affordability, healthcare, and education with a clear understanding of how to get things done.

That said, while experience helps, what matters most is a commitment to serving the people and staying connected to the community. Having a background in government should never mean being out of touch with the needs of everyday Utahns. I believe a balance of experience, fresh ideas, and a strong work ethic is key to being an effective legislator.
I believe it’s incredibly beneficial to build strong relationships with other legislators, regardless of party. In a swing district like ours, it's essential to work across the aisle to get things done for the people we represent. Collaboration often leads to the best solutions, and by building relationships with my colleagues—both Republicans and Democrats—we can find common ground and pass legislation that benefits everyone.

I admire many of my fellow legislators, especially those I’ve had the privilege of working with in bipartisan caucuses. These relationships are built on mutual respect and a shared goal of serving our constituents. By working together, we can make meaningful progress and deliver real results for our communities.
I believe financial transparency and government accountability are absolutely essential. Taxpayers deserve to know how their hard-earned money is being spent, and we need to ensure every dollar is used responsibly. I support policies that require clear, open financial reporting from all levels of government so we can cut waste, eliminate unnecessary spending, and make sure funds are directed where they’re truly needed.
Government officials should be held to the highest standards, and that means being fully accountable to the people. Whether it's through audits, oversight, or ethics reforms, I’ll push for measures that keep government transparent, responsive, and focused on serving the public—not special interests. Trust in government starts with honesty and accountability, and I’m committed to making sure that’s always the case.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2020

Candidate Connection

Matt MacPherson completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by MacPherson's responses.

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Strong families make strong communities. Strong families need safe communities and a good economy.

As a longtime businessman in Utah, I know how to bring jobs and opportunities to West Valley City. For businesses and entrepreneurs to pursue their American Dream in Utah, we must maintain a strong economy by keeping safe communities, providing exceptional schools, and creating a reliable infrastructure. I have the experience to work toward these goals. I have worked with the West Valley City Professional Standards Review Board. On that board, I understand the importance for civilian oversight to make certain our police receive proper funding and training. As parents, my wife and I worked to fund dual immersion programs and founded a chapter of Watch Dogs (Watch Dads of Great Students) to aid with PTA goals. Making certain schools are fully funded is our best way to invest in Utah's economic future. As we work to invest in our future, we must focus and prioritize as we work through the challenges to recover from the COVID-19 lockdowns.

  • Defend those who serve and protect us.
  • Strengthen our economy with business friendly policies.
  • Reliable infrastructure and exceptional schools to allow future economic growth and opportunities.
I am passionate about West Valley City and we deserve to have our city elevated in our status with the State of Utah.
  • Safe Communities
  • Exceptional Education
  • Strong business opportunities for families in West Valley City
Strong families make for strong communities makes for a strong city. I am against policies that come between good families having good opportunities to succeed.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary


Ballotpedia LogoNote: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf.Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at theFEC website. Clickhere for more on federal campaign finance law andhere for more on state campaign finance law.


Matt MacPherson campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2024Utah House of Representatives District 26Won general$169,545 $-162,878
2020Utah House of Representatives District 31Lost general$50,024 N/A**
Grand total$219,568 $-162,878
Sources:OpenSecretsFederal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Scorecards

See also:State legislative scorecards andState legislative scorecards in Utah

Ascorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.

Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Utah scorecards, email suggestions toeditor@ballotpedia.org.


2024

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2024, click [show].   

In 2024, theUtah State Legislature was in session from January 16 to March 1.

Legislators are scored on their stances on conservative fiscal policy.
Legislators are scored based on the organization's mission of "promoting the principles of limited government, constitution, representative government, participatory republic, free market economy, family, and separation of powers."
Legislators are scored based on their votes in relation to the organization's "mission to defend individual liberty, private property and free enterprise."
Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to arts and the humanities.
Legislators are scored based on their votes on bills related to education.
Legislators are scored based on their votes on tax related legislation.


2023

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2023, click [show].   

In 2023, theUtah State Legislature was in session from January 17 to March 3.

Legislators are scored on their stances on conservative fiscal policy.
Legislators are scored based on the organization's mission of "promoting the principles of limited government, constitution, representative government, participatory republic, free market economy, family, and separation of powers."
Legislators are scored based on their votes in relation to the organization's "mission to defend individual liberty, private property and free enterprise."
Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to arts and the humanities.
Legislators are scored based on their votes on bills related to education.
Legislators are scored based on their votes on tax related legislation.









See also


External links

Officeholder

Utah House of Representatives District 26

  • Website
  • Personal

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Footnotes

    1. ‘’CBS 2 KUTV, "MacPherson, entangled in lawsuit involving state, elected to Utah House”, October 5, 2023
    2. Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 8, 2020
    3. Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 11, 2024

    Political offices
    Preceded by
    Quinn Kotter (R)
    Utah House of Representatives District 26
    2023-Present
    Succeeded by
    -


    Current members of theUtah House of Representatives
    Leadership
    Speaker of the House:Mike Schultz
    Majority Leader:Casey Snider
    Minority Leader:Angela Romero
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