Ali Cloward, a Democrat, is running for Salt Lake County auditor in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. She faces Republican Chris Harding.

Cloward, who is certified for the ballot, said on her campaign website that she is running to ensure the county gets the most out of every taxpayer dollar and to bring greater transparency to county government.

Candidate information

  • Party: Democratic
  • Office sought: Salt Lake County auditor
  • Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
  • Hometown: Grew up in Salt Lake County, according to her campaign website
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting, University of Utah, according to her campaign website; master's degree in accounting, University of Utah (2010), according to BallotReady profile data
  • Credentials: Certified Internal Auditor, according to her campaign website
  • Recognition: Utah 40 Under 40 recipient, according to her campaign website

Experience and public service

Cloward's professional background centers on auditing and compliance in the private sector.

She has served as a director at Baker Tilly US since 2025, according to BallotReady profile data. Before that, she held the title of SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley Act) & Business Risk Services director at Moss Adams from 2021 to 2025, according to the same source. She was director of SOX compliance at The Cadence Group from 2013 to 2021.

Cloward also serves as a board member at Clean Slate Utah, according to her campaign website.

On the issues

Government efficiency: Cloward said on her campaign website that Salt Lake County should maximize the value of every dollar it spends. She said every dollar saved is money back in the pockets of residents. Her website did not detail specific audit targets or cost-saving proposals.

Government transparency and accountability: Cloward said she is committed to transparency that puts facts in front of residents so they can hold their government accountable. Her website did not outline specific reporting changes or new disclosure mechanisms she would pursue as auditor.

Editor's note: The candidate's issue positions are drawn from her campaign website. No specific implementation plans, timelines or funding details were provided.

Endorsements

Cloward has been endorsed by the Women's Democratic Club of Utah, according to BallotReady profile data.

Candidate information in this profile is drawn from Ali Cloward's official campaign website and BallotReady profile data. Positions and biographical claims attributed to the candidate reflect her own statements.