Candidate, State Board of Education, District 11 · Republican
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Candidate photo via BallotReady. Photo: BallotReady (photographer uncredited) · Copyright retained by rights holder · BallotReady
Candidate photo via BallotReady. Photo: BallotReady (photographer uncredited) · Copyright retained by rights holder · BallotReady
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Tracy J. Nuttall is a candidate for State Board of Education, District 11. The ballot lists Tracy J. Nuttall, Republican. The district covers all or part of Salt Lake and Utah counties.
Tracy J. Nuttall's BallotReady candidate profile lists this work history: Utah State Tax Commission, Director of Policy (2025 - Present); Sunburst Strategies, President (2019 - Present); BYU Law School, Adjunct Professor (2022 - 2025); Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel, Associate General Counsel (2011 - 2019); Utah 2nd District Court, Law Clerk (2011 - 2011); Utah Valley University, Adjunct Professor (2010 - 2011); BYU Center for Conflict Resolution, Caseworker (2009 - 2009). [1]
It lists these degrees: JD, Brigham Young University (2010); Bachelor's, Brigham Young University, Philosophy (2002). [1]
Background in education policy
Nuttall describes themself in a January 2026 campaign news release as a parent, legislative attorney and longtime public education advocate. The release says much of the legal career has involved Utah public education policy, including helping draft education legislation for the Utah Legislature and advising the Utah State Board of Education on policy and governance. [2]
In a March 2026 candidate profile, Nuttall, a parent of public school students, says they have served on an elementary PTA board and several times on a school community council, and have worked as a contract attorney for the Utah State Board of Education. The Salt Lake Tribune also reports that Nuttall has been a legal consultant to the board. [3] [4]
Stated priorities
These are the candidate's own statements, not checked by us. In the Lehi Free Press profile, Nuttall names three priorities: leading the area through the Alpine School District split, advocating for local control so the people closest to students shape how their needs are met, and responsible use of taxpayer money in education funding. Nuttall says that when families and the public school system work together, "we unleash an amazing potential for good in our society." [3]
The campaign news release adds high-quality, student-centered teaching, a safe learning environment and communication between parents and teachers, and says Nuttall is "committed to conservative values, treating everyone with dignity and respect" and wants "to hear from families and educators across our district." [2]
The race and endorsements
Nuttall, the Republican nominee, faces Democrat Lacey Peterson, a licensed clinical social worker, for State Board of Education District 11, which covers parts of Utah County including Lehi, American Fork, Alpine and Bluffdale. Both are newcomers. Outgoing board member Cindy Davis, who is not seeking reelection, has endorsed Nuttall. [4]
Nuttall declined to answer the Tribune's candidate survey on issues including the sensitive materials law, Utah Fits All, third-grade retention and cellphone bans. In a text message to the paper, Nuttall said the yes-or-no questions were "too black and white without me being able to respond in more detail." [4]
From the campaign website
The campaign website says Tracy Nuttall is a practicing attorney with a BYU Law degree who was a legislative attorney for the Utah Legislature, drafting education bills, and a legal consultant to the State Board of Education. The site also lists adjunct teaching at BYU Law and UVU, service on the Alpine School Community Council and Alpine Elementary PTA, and leadership with Project Elect. [5]
This is the candidate's own campaign material, condensed by The Utah Ledger and not independently checked. [5]
Profile sources
Profile refreshed October 30, 2026. Candidate statements describe the candidate's own experience or positions; official records and reporting are labeled separately.
