Former Weber State Lawyer Joins GOP Race to Top Senate Leader Stuart Adams

Table of Contents

LAYTON, Utah — In the upcoming 2026 election, three Republican candidates are vying to challenge Utah’s Senate President, Stuart Adams, in Senate District 7. This district covers parts of Layton, Kaysville, Fruit Heights, and Centerville, all areas represented by Adams.

The filing period for the race began on January 2, with three candidates submitting their names. Among them is Stephanie Hollist, who previously served as the General Counsel for Weber State University for 18 years. Her time at the university has drawn attention due to recent controversies over free speech policies, particularly regarding the banning of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) language.

Hollist recently stepped down from her position at Weber State. She emphasized that her decision to run for office was not related to the university's handling of the Unity conference or the controversy surrounding the Native American author who withdrew from a speaking event. Instead, she mentioned that she had been considering a change in her career for nearly a year, seeking to apply her skills more broadly.

Another candidate is Jennifer Garner, who has experience in legislative campaigns and currently teaches financial literacy at Weber State University’s Basic Needs Center. She is also a member of the Republican Party’s State Central Committee.

The third candidate is Braden Hess, an estate planning attorney and former lawyer for the legislature’s Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel (OLRGC). He brings a legal background to the race, emphasizing his commitment to constitutional principles and the separation of powers.

Adams, who has been in the legislature since 2002, transitioned from the House to the Senate in 2009. He has served as Senate President since 2019. In response to the challenges he faces, Adams stated that he has consistently earned the trust of his neighbors and will continue to work for the community.

“When I talk to the people in my community, what I continue to hear is a lack of trust in government,” Hollist said. “The people are not feeling heard. People are feeling like the legislature is ignoring them. And so even though we’ve had the leadership for a long time, we’re not seeing the results.”

Weber State University has faced significant backlash over its interpretation of HB 261, a 2024 anti-DEI law. The law prohibits compelled belief and discrimination based on personal identity characteristics. However, some lawmakers have expressed confusion about how the law should be applied in academic settings.

“I get that. And really, what they need to do is fix the law, make sure that it says what they want it to say,” Hollist said. “I think it’s really great that they are willing to go look at things and, you know, one of my mantras is listen and adjust, right? So it seems like that is what is happening.”

Another issue affecting the race is Adams’ reported involvement in a child rape case involving a relative. An 18-year-old relative of Adams was accused of having sex with a 13-year-old, facing severe penalties. After a law change, the relative received a plea deal that avoided additional jail time and sex offender registration. Adams denied any wrongdoing.

Hess emphasized the importance of principled leadership, stating, “I’m running for SD 7 because Utah deserves a principled leader who puts the people over self-interests, and who zealously defends our Constitution.”

Garner highlighted the need for public trust and addressing issues that matter to Utah families. She criticized the current legislative approach, saying, “We cannot undo family failures with more lax legislation that puts more children at risk.”

Hess and Garner both believe their experiences prepare them to serve effectively. Hess pointed to widespread frustrations with current leadership, particularly regarding redistricting and the handling of constitutional crises.

Adams and Hollist are gathering signatures and going the convention route, while Hess and Garner plan to follow the same path.

How to make ABC4 your preferred news source on Google

As the race intensifies, voters in Senate District 7 will have several options to consider. Each candidate brings a unique perspective and set of experiences to the table, reflecting the diverse concerns of the community.

With the upcoming election, the focus remains on leadership, trust, and the future direction of the state. Voters will be looking for candidates who can address these critical issues and provide a clear vision for Utah’s future.