After a slowed count, Utah 4th District voters reelect Rep. Mike Kennedy

SALT LAKE COUNTY — Republican Rep. Mike Kennedy will keep his seat in Utah's 4th Congressional District, KUER reported on Nov. 5, 2026, after defeating Jonny Larsen, a Marine veteran and Democrat the station described as a "Blue Dog" challenger 1.

The Associated Press called the race at 6:43 p.m. on Nov. 5, after a large chunk of ballots from populous Salt Lake County were counted, KUER reported. The station published its account at 7:11 p.m. that evening 1.

Kennedy was first elected in 2024 and ran unopposed in the primaries this year, according to KUER 1. On election night, the station reported, only two of Utah's four House races had been settled: Republican Rep. Celeste Maloy in the 3rd District and Democrat Ben McAdams in the 1st 1.

Kennedy appeared on election night at the Utah Republican Party's watch party in Draper, on Nov. 3 1.

The day after the election, Kennedy wrote on social media that his "duty is to the people of Utah." "Whatever the political climate in Washington," he wrote, "I will work to deliver results for our state, defend our people and their freedoms, and ensure every Utahn has the chance to build a better future" 1.

Larsen, in a phone call with KUER, thanked the voters who turned out for him and said his campaign was run entirely by volunteers 1. Asked about how close he came against an incumbent who has held state and national office, he said Utahns are tired of what he called clickbait politics. "They don't want an extreme. They want somebody who isn't divisive," he said. "Who will be willing to work with anyone and everyone, and not throw people under the bus, right?" 1

Kennedy will be sworn in on Jan. 3, 2027, KUER reported. The Associated Press contributed to the station's report 1.

The station's account gives no county-by-county totals and no final margin; it was published while the count was still running 1.