Inside Utah Politics with Lindsay Aerts

Layton State House race comes into focus, Confusion at the clerk's office

On the eve of the election, we're sitting down with the candidates in what's set to be a highly watched State House primary race. In HD-16, incumbent Representative Trevor Lee faces an in-party challenge from Bob Stevenson, a veteran of Davis County politics. They join Lindsay to explain their priorities heading into election day. Plus, a last second controversy in the highly watched race for the Democratic Party's nomination in CD-1. Candidate Liban Mohamed says he was accused for an election crime he can't have committed. The county clerk has since apologized, claiming it was a case of mistaken identity. Our reporter spoke to both sides to parse out what exactly happened, and why Mohamed feels it's a case of racial profiling.

Allegations of insider trading and defamation rock CD-2 GOP primary, election day draws near

The heat continues to climb in Utah's second congressional district, with Congressman Blake Moore saying his challenger has engaged in "outright defamation." It comes after outgoing state Rep. Karianne Lisonbee captioning a now-deleted X post “I came from nothing and built my American dream with hard work. I will not watch politicians like Blake Moore spend away our children’s and grandchildren’s future while making millions insider trading. No more.” Panelists Leah Murray and Taylor Morgan join Lindsay to discuss whether this is too far or par-for-the-course negative campaigning in 2026.

Colorado River states exchange threats, Voters react to Utah's new CD-1

Colorado River negotiations reach their boiling point. Utah Senator Mike Lee says Congress will not reward states that sue other states over water with more federal funding. It comes as Arizona is lawyering up to take Utah to court as deadlock stalls a long-term agreement on the how to share the river's evermore precious water. Amy Haas is the executive director of the Colorado River Authority of Utah and one of the state's chief water negotiators. She joins Lindsay to chart a path forward for the 7 states that rely on the river. Plus, Utah CD-1 is gearing up for a high stakes Democratic primary. Salt Lake County Clerk Lannie Chapman shares new data about how voter behavior is changing this year and explains how you can make sure your voice is heard.

AI money in Utah elections, Voter data paints a picture of CD-1

AI money seems to be flowing into Utah's congressional primary races, with big spends in favor of Ben McAdams and Rep. Celeste Maloy. Panelists Adam Gardiner and Leah Murray join Lindsay Aerts to weigh the impact those dollars might have, both positive and negative as we enter uncharted territory with the polarization surrounding AI development and data center infrastructure. Plus, the new map is spurring some interesting voter behavior in Utah's first congressional district. We dig into new data from the Salt Lake County Clerk to see how voters are reacting to Utah's first safe blue house seat in decades.

New legal action over ICE detention center plans, Pentagon tweaks list of faiths

Opposition to plans to build a massive ICE detention center in Salt Lake City is firing on all cylinders this week, with both Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County filing a lawsuit arguing the plans have not gone through the proper legal channels. Some non-profit groups have also filed their intent to seek a lawsuit of their own against DHS on similar ground. Panelists Taylor Morgan and Leah Murray join Lindsay to analyze the political trajectory of the controversial project, and whether the ICE facility risks becoming the next data center debate. Plus, the Pentagon revised its list of religious affiliations to no longer specifically delineate which sects are Christian after massive backlash from Utah leaders. We attempt to unpick just what is going on here, and to find the line between the political and the theological.