Matt MacPherson

Matt MacPherson

Republican Party

Utah House of Representatives District 26

Tenure

2023 - Present

Term ends

2027

Years in position

1

Predecessor

Quinn Kotter

Compensation

Base salary

$293.55/legislative day

Elections and appointments

Last elected

November 5, 2024

Appointed

October 4, 2023

Personal

Birthplace

Las Vegas, Nev.

Religion

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Profession

Business owner

Contact

Official website

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign Instagram

Personal Facebook

Personal Instagram

Personal LinkedIn

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

MacPherson (Republican Party) ran for re-election to the Utah House of Representatives to represent District 26. He won in the general election on November 5, 2024.

MacPherson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

A Utah Republican delegation appointed MacPherson to the Utah House of Representatives District 26 on October 4, 2023, to replace Quinn Kotter (R). He was sworn in on October 10, 2023.

Biography

Matt MacPherson was born in Las Vegas, Nevada. His career experience includes working as a business owner.

Elections

2024

See also: Utah House of Representatives elections, 2024

General election

General election for Utah House of Representatives District 26

Incumbent Matt MacPherson defeated Jeanetta Williams in the general election for Utah House of Representatives District 26 on November 5, 2024.

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

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 13,685
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia 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. Incumbent Matt 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
✔		Jeanetta Williams (D)

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican convention

Republican convention for Utah House of Representatives District 26

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

		Candidate
✔		Matt MacPherson (R)

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

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

Incumbent Elizabeth Weight defeated Matt MacPherson in the general election for Utah House of Representatives District 31 on November 3, 2020.

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

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 11,060
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic convention

Democratic convention for Utah House of Representatives District 31

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

		Candidate
✔		Elizabeth Weight (D)

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican convention

Republican convention for Utah House of Representatives District 31

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

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Michael Beynon (R)
✔		Matt MacPherson (R)

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Matt MacPherson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by MacPherson's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

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.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• 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.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about:

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

- Parental Rights

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

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.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

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.

What legacy would you like to leave?

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.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

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.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

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.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

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.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

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

Matt MacPherson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by MacPherson's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

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.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Safe Communities
• Exceptional Education
• Strong business opportunities for families in West Valley City

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

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

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Note: 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 the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Matt MacPherson campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	Utah House of Representatives District 26	Won general	$169,545	$-162,878
2020	Utah House of Representatives District 31	Lost general	$50,024	N/A**
Grand total			$219,568	$-162,878
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in Utah

A scorecard 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 to editor@ballotpedia.org.

2024

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

In 2024, the Utah State Legislature was in session from January 16 to March 1. Americans for Prosperity Utah Legislators are scored on their stances on conservative fiscal policy. GrassRoots 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." Libertas Institute Legislators are scored based on their votes in relation to the organization's "mission to defend individual liberty, private property and free enterprise." National Federation of Independent Business Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues. Utah Cultural Alliance Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to arts and the humanities. Utah Education Association Legislators are scored based on their votes on bills related to education. Utah Taxpayers Association 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, the Utah State Legislature was in session from January 17 to March 3. Americans for Prosperity Utah Legislators are scored on their stances on conservative fiscal policy. GrassRoots 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." Libertas Institute Legislators are scored based on their votes in relation to the organization's "mission to defend individual liberty, private property and free enterprise." The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. Utah Cultural Alliance Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to arts and the humanities. Utah Education Association House and Senate Legislators are scored based on their votes on bills related to education. Utah Taxpayers Association Legislators are scored based on their votes on tax related legislation.

See also

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Candidate

Utah House of Representatives District 26

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Utah House of Representatives District 26

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Footnotes

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

[show]

Current members of the Utah House of Representatives

Leadership

Speaker of the House:Mike Schultz

Majority Leader:Casey Snider

Minority Leader:Angela Romero

Representatives

District 1

Thomas Peterson (R)

District 2

Mike Petersen (R)

District 3

Jason Thompson (R)

District 4

Tiara Auxier (R)

District 5

Casey Snider (R)

District 6

Matt Gwynn (R)

District 7

Ryan Wilcox (R)

District 8

Jason Kyle (R)

District 9

Jake Sawyer (R)

District 10

Jill Koford (R)

District 11

Katy Hall (R)

District 12

Mike Schultz (R)

District 13

Karen Peterson (R)

District 14

Karianne Lisonbee (R)

District 15

Ariel Defay (R)

District 16

Trevor Lee (R)

District 17

Stewart Barlow (R)

District 18

Paul Cutler (R)

District 19

Raymond Ward (R)

District 20

Melissa Ballard (R)

District 21

Sandra Hollins (D)

District 22

Jen Dailey-Provost (D)

District 23

Hoang Nguyen (D)

District 24

Grant Miller (D)

District 25

Angela Romero (D)

District 26

Matt MacPherson (R)

District 27

Anthony Loubet (R)

District 28

Nicholeen Peck (R)

District 29

Bridger Bolinder (R)

District 30

Jake Fitisemanu (D)

District 31

Verona Mauga (D)

District 32

Sahara Hayes (D)

District 33

Doug Owens (D)

District 34

Carol Moss (D)

District 35

Rosalba Dominguez (D)

District 36

Jim Dunnigan (R)

District 37

Ashlee Matthews (D)

District 38

Cheryl Acton (R)

District 39

Ken Ivory (R)

District 40

Andrew Stoddard (D)

District 41

Gay Lynn Bennion (D)

District 42

Clint Okerlund (R)

District 43

Steven Eliason (R)

District 44

Jordan Teuscher (R)

District 45

Tracy Miller (R)

District 46

Cal Roberts (R)

District 47

Mark Strong (R)

District 48

Doug Fiefia (R)

District 49

Candice Pierucci (R)

District 50

Stephanie Gricius (R)

District 51

Leah Hansen (R)

District 52

Cory Maloy (R)

District 53

Kay Christofferson (R)

District 54

Kristen Chevrier (R)

District 55

Jon Hawkins (R)

District 56

Val Peterson (R)

District 57

Nelson Abbott (R)

District 58

David Shallenberger (R)

District 59

Mike Kohler (R)

District 60

Tyler Clancy (R)

District 61

Lisa Shepherd (R)

District 62

Norman Thurston (R)

District 63

Stephen Whyte (R)

District 64

Jefferson Burton (R)

District 65

Doug Welton (R)

District 66

Troy Shelley (R)

District 67

Christine Watkins (R)

District 68

Scott Chew (R)

District 69

Logan Monson (R)

District 70

Carl Albrecht (R)

District 71

Rex Shipp (R)

District 72

Joseph Elison (R)

District 73

Colin Jack (R)

District 74

Neil Walter (R)

District 75

Walt Brooks (R)

Republican Party (61)

Democratic Party (14)