When the Utah candidate filing period came to an end on Friday, there were few surprises up and down the ballot. One name, though, raised eyebrows.

Vineyard Mayor Julie Fullmer, opted to throw her hat in the ring for Congress — in northern Utah’s District 1, as opposed to District 3 where her city resides.

District 1 is currently represented by Blake Moore, an Ogden High School graduate and Salt Lake City resident first elected to the seat in 2018 after the retirement of Rob Bishop.

“If there is anyone that can protect and represent the values, understand the issues, and then accomplish what needs to be done, I am that person,” Fullmer said. “I serve on multiple regional and state boards working with the local leaders in CD1. I know the issues we are facing as communities, and I look forward to continuing that service in another capacity.”

Vineyard is one of the fastest growing cities in the country and Fullmer, who was first elected to office 11 years ago, became the first female mayor of the Utah Lake-adjacent city in 2017.

She specifically mentioned working with Ogden Mayor Mike Caldwell through the Utah League of Cities and Towns as part of her credentials in the district. She added that her experiences stretch beyond Vineyard and can make a difference in Northern Utah.

“As someone who serves cities throughout the state, I know what it means to advocate for them, what is needed and what it takes to move into seniority positions to help drive better solutions. CD1 needs a strong voice to represent and protect their values, and I know how to give them that voice at this level,” Fullmer said.

An advocate for managed growth and conservative values, Fullmer said she is looking forward to sharing herself with people who could become her constituents.

Fullmer told the Daily Herald she is excited for in-person campaigning, holding town halls — in-person and online — and visiting every city in the district.

Having shrunk in size with redistricting, the bulk of the first district’s population lives in the greater Ogden area and Logan. There are six candidates in the race, including Moore and Fullmer.

The primary election will be held June 28 with the general election on Nov. 8.

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