Gil Almquist

Office held

On the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot

Gil Almquist is a candidate for Washington County Commission Seat A. The ballot lists Gil Almquist, Republican.

Everyone on the ballot for this seat

Listed in ballot order. Source: Washington County Clerk - Conflict of Interest Disclosure (elected officials table). 2026 election guide

Career and earlier service

St. George News's 2018 profile described Almquist as a landscaping contractor who had served on the St. George City Council and the St. George Planning Commission. He was first elected to Seat A in 2018. BallotReady lists his current work as Washington County commissioner and shows he was also on the 2022 ballot for the same seat. ^{[3] [2]}

The 2026 race

The Salt Lake Tribune reported that Almquist, seeking a third term, faced former Leeds mayor Bill Hoster in the June Republican primary after Hoster narrowly won the April county convention, 301 to 298. The paper's account of a June 4 debate says both men pledged to keep property taxes among the state's lowest and that the county had not raised them in 16 years. Almquist's name is on the November ballot, where Democrat Gail Koske is the other candidate. ^{[1] [2]}

On housing, the Tribune says Almquist voted in March for a multifamily zoning ordinance along the I-15 corridor but argued high-density projects belong in cities with full services. He said state law limits how tourism tax money can be spent beyond marketing, and pointed to Wheels Park and Dixie Sunbowl upgrades as projects it helped fund. He credited work with state lawmakers on 2025 legislation that rolled back a property tax increase by the Hurricane Valley Fire Special Service District. ^[1]

Stated priorities

BallotReady lists his statements: protect election integrity, devote time and resources to law enforcement and first responders, continue support for local businesses, support water conservation programs, and continue to spend taxpayer dollars carefully. ^[2]

Profile sources

Profile refreshed October 28, 2026. Candidate statements describe the candidate's own experience or positions; official records and reporting are labeled separately.

1. Salt Lake Tribune, Washington County Commission, June 6, 2026 · Reporting
2. BallotReady candidate profile: Gil Almquist · Candidate statement
3. St. George News, 2018 Washington County Commission candidate profile · Reporting

In the news

• 

  Politics

  Washington County Commission awards fair and rodeo contracts, 3-0

  Both awards to Rope Race Ride Productions are pending a standard agreement. Chairman Adam Snow and Commissioners Victor Iverson and Gil Almquist voted on each item, according to the meeting video and transcript.

  Published November 1, 2026 · From Washington County

• 

  Growth & housing

  Washington County wants designs for a Dixie Convention Center expansion up to $30 million

  Architect proposals are due Oct. 30 for an addition of about 117,000 square feet to the St. George facility.

  Published October 26, 2026 · From The Salt Lake Tribune