Former Council Chair Malena Stevens Announces 2026 Run for Clerk

Malena Stevens, who served four years on the Summit County Council, formally announced her campaign for Summit County clerk on December 17. Her announcement coincided with County Clerk Eve Furse saying she does not plan to seek reelection next fall, leaving the clerk seat open for the 2026 cycle. Stevens positioned her candidacy around experience in government operations and a promise to run a clerk office focused on accuracy, transparency and consistent process.

Stevens emphasized the operational importance of the clerk role in her statement. "The Clerk’s Office is one of the most important operational roles in county government," she said. "It requires accuracy, transparency, and consistent and fair processes especially in moments when public trust is tested. I’m running because I believe Summit County deserves a clerk who understands government from the inside and is prepared to lead on day one." She framed election administration as a matter of procedure rather than politics, saying "Election integrity isn’t about politics, it’s about procedure," and adding that the clerk must "administer elections lawfully, securely, and transparently, and to communicate clearly with voters about how the process works."

Stevens outlined priorities for the clerk office including strict compliance with state law, safeguarding ballots records and election systems, clear communication with voters and election workers, impartiality and transparency. She described her leadership style as collaborative but accountable. "I believe in listening carefully and making informed decisions even when they’re difficult," she said. "Public service isn’t about headlines or ideology. It’s about doing the job well and respecting the institution you’ve been entrusted to steward."

A 14 year Summit County resident who lives in Pinebrook with her son, Stevens also noted prior service on the Snyderville Basin Planning Commission where she handled complex and high profile local decisions. Her campaign announcement makes the clerk race an early focus of the 2026 local political calendar. For residents the contest will determine who oversees voter registration ballots election rules and public records procedures for the county. With the incumbent stepping aside, the office will likely draw attention from voters and stakeholders concerned about election administration transparency and the daily functions of county government.