Utah Voters Retain Justice Jill Pohlman
Voters kept Utah Supreme Court Associate Chief Justice Jill Pohlman on the bench for 10 more years, along with 55 other judges.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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Close to 80% of Utah voters retained Associate Chief Justice Jill Pohlman in unofficial early returns from Tuesday's judicial retention elections. Fifty-five other judges also won retention, while Weber County Justice Court Judge Trent Nelson was trailing 54% to 46%.
Why it matters
The results shape the composition of a state high court that was recently expanded from five justices to seven and has been at the center of disputes with the Republican-led Legislature. Retention outcomes determine whether judges continue serving under Utah's evaluation system in place since 1985.
Pohlman will serve a 10-year term after voters retained her in unofficial early returns, while Nelson's race remains undecided in unofficial returns with him trailing. Official certification of the results was not yet reported.
The players
Jill Pohlman
Associate Chief Justice of the Utah Supreme Court, who was retained by voters for a 10-year term.
Trent Nelson
Weber County Justice Court judge who was trailing in his retention election and was the only judge not recommended for retention by the evaluation commission.
Utah Eagle Forum
Conservative advocacy group that campaigned against Pohlman's retention after the Supreme Court upheld an injunction blocking a near-total abortion ban.
The details
The Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission recommended retention for 56 of the 57 judges on the ballot, with Nelson the only judge not recommended. Pohlman's retention campaign drew opposition from the Utah Eagle Forum after the Supreme Court upheld an injunction blocking a near-total abortion ban.
Timeline
- November 3, 2026: Voters decided judicial retention elections, including Pohlman's race.
- Last month: Oral arguments on a proposed three-judge panel to hear challenges to state laws were heard before the expanded Supreme Court.
- April 2026: Arguments on the abortion law were scheduled but later delayed.
Legal Context
Utah's retention system, in place since 1985, has produced only two retention election losses for judges in its history, making Nelson's trailing race an uncommon outcome. The retention vote comes as the state Supreme Court has been expanded from five justices to seven and has ruled against Republican-backed legislative efforts.
Voters' decisions determine which judges will continue hearing cases across Utah's courts for the next term. Residents who rely on the state's courts will see the same judges on the bench, while the pending three-judge panel question could affect how challenges to state laws are heard.
The takeaway
Judicial retention votes are a direct way for Utah voters to weigh in on how the courts operate. Reviewing the Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission's recommendations before election day gives voters a fuller picture of each judge's record.
Further reading
Explore more Criminal Justice coverage from across Utah to see how the state's courts and judges shape legal outcomes.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Salt Lake Tribune.
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