Erin Longacre, a Republican, is running for the Utah State Board of Education District 7 seat in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. She faces James Martin, a Democrat, for the rest of an unexpired term.
District 7 covers the southeast portion of Salt Lake County. Governor Spencer Cox appointed Longacre to the seat on July 29, 2025, to fill the vacancy left by Dr. Molly Hart, who was selected as state superintendent, according to ABC4. Longacre is now seeking election to serve the remainder of Hart's term. Both candidates are certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data.
Candidate information
- Name: Erin Longacre
- Party: Republican
- Office sought: Utah State Board of Education, District 7 (remainder of unexpired term)
- Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, Villanova University (2004)
- Opponent: James Martin (Democratic)
Experience and public service
Longacre has served on the Utah State Board of Education representing District 7 since her appointment in July 2025. Before joining the state board, she ran for the Canyons School District Board in District 6 in 2022, according to ABC4.
On the issues
The following positions are Longacre's own responses, provided through her campaign website via BallotReady.
Education
Longacre said she supports creating "the most optimal learning environment for each student." She outlined four education priorities in her candidate questionnaire responses:
- Reducing testing
- Supporting teachers
- Making smarter use of technology
- Creating optimal learning environments for students
Taxes and budget
On fiscal matters, Longacre said she prioritizes fiscal responsibility.
Longacre's questionnaire responses did not include detailed proposals, implementation plans or funding specifics. Responses are presented as the candidate provided them.
How to participate
Voters in southeast Salt Lake County's District 7 will choose between Longacre and Martin on Nov. 3, 2026. The race is for the remainder of the term vacated when Hart became state superintendent.
