With 100% of the votes in, the 2025 municipal election had several notable shakeups, including the election of a new mayor.
The incumbent, Michelle Kaufusi, conceded after the results of the election became clear. The race was tight, with Kaufusi losing by only 422 total votes. Overall, only 35% of voters participated in this election.
"It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve my hometown as mayor. It was trusted friends and associates who pushed me to do this, and I'm forever grateful they did. My administration has been marked by teamwork and partnerships — and together we've accomplished so much," Kaufusi wrote.
Kaufusi served as mayor for eight years, focusing on infrastructure and expanding police and fire station personnel.
Marsha Judkins, mayor-elect, is the first mayor from Provo’s west side. Judkins has served three terms on the Utah House of Representatives, representing West Provo.
"I look forward to working with Provo's dedicated city employees and with residents across our community to build on our successes, tackle challenges, and elevate Provo," Judkins said.
The city council will also look different for this next term. Jeff Whitlock won the District 2 seat by only 205 votes. However, familiar faces still remain with District 5 representative Rachel Whipple and city-wide representative Katrice McKay winning their respective races.
All members of the city council expressed their gratitude for Kaufusi’s service and acknowledged how Provo has changed under her leadership, and their hopes for mayor-elect Judkins.
“Our previous Mayor, Michelle Kaufusi, did a wonderful job, being kind of an advocate and a cheerleader for the city … I expect that Marsha Judkins will be much more engaged in policy, and I’m just really interested to see how that plays out,” Whipple said.
An issue that all city council members could agree Provo is facing is the housing crisis. Renters especially seem to be struggling with finding places that fit within budgets and transitioning to ownership.
“I think the same problems facing us are facing most cities, and you’re looking at housing,” McKay said.
Preservation is also at the top of mind, whether it’s Slate Canyon or Provo’s west side charm.
“I’m excited to collaborate with my fellow city counselors to try and frame that goal… I also hope to focus on Slate Canyon conservation,” Whitlock said.
As Provo continues to change and develop, hope is prevalent for the future.
“We won awards that are a big deal in the sense that it’s been proven that we provide the most services for our citizens at the lowest cost. We have the third cleanest water in the country, I love that one,” McKay said.
The new mayor and Provo City Council will be sworn in Jan. 5, 2026.