Celeste Maloy
Congresswoman Celeste Maloy represents Utah in Congress, where she is working to help families keep more of their hard-earned money, secure the border, defend Utah values, and hold Washington accountable. Raised in a working-class family, Celeste learned hard work, personal responsibility, and service from an early age.
She earned degrees from SUU and BYU Law, then built a career fighting for Utah as a deputy county attorney, a public lands attorney, a water district attorney, and as Chief Legal Counsel to Congressman Chris Stewart. Celeste lives in Southern Utah and works every day to deliver results for Utah families.
State Representative - District 72
Joseph Elison
Joseph serves Washington County residents in the House of Representatives starting in 2023. He serves on the Education Standing Committee, the Revenue and Taxation Standing Committee, for which he is the Vice-Chairman, and the Transportation and Infrastructure Sub-Appropriations Committee.
Joseph and his wife Robbie have five children, a son and daughter-in-law, with another on the way, and one granddaughter. They’ve raised their children right here in Washington County. He owns his own investment advisory firm and loves to serve this wonderful community.
Some highlights of his time in the legislature are:
- Created a state sovereignty fund to put Utah on a path to be financially independent of the federal government.
- Made significant inroads to financial accountability of higher education, saving taxpayers over $10 million just in the first year.
- Provided a tool for local governments’ use to shift some of the financial burden for Emergency Medical Services from local citizens to tourists.
- Helped reduce income tax every year.
- Helped reduce tax on Social Security Income.
State Representative - District 73
Colin Jack
Colin Jack has been a State Representative since July 2022 and works to protect personal liberty, financial freedom, and energy security. He serves as chair of the Public Utilities, Energy, & Technology Committee, as well as on the Economic Development & Workforce Services, and the Social Services Appropriations Committees. Representative Jack has been awarded “Friend of the Taxpayer” and “Friend of Transparency” by the Utah Taxpayers Association, “Business Champion” by the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, “Prosperity Elevated Champion” by Americans for Prosperity, “Rural Champion” by the Rural Caucus, “Grade A” on the NRA Legislator Report Card, and recognized by Utah Parents United and Pro-Life Utah. He also fills assignments on the National Energy Council, Energy Security Working Group of NCSL, the Energy subcommittee of ALEC, and the Energy, Critical Minerals, and the Colorado River Legislative Working Groups. A life-long Republican, he got active in the party after Congress passed the 2005 Energy Policy Act, serving in many positions in the WCRP, as well as the Utah GOP State Central Committee. Colin is a professional electrical engineer and has worked as the Chief Operating Officer for Dixie Power since 1994, and as a consultant for international development for 30 years.
State Representative - District 74
Neil Walter
Representative Walter began his legislative service in 2023. Since then, he has represented Utah's House District 74 which includes the western portion of Washington County. He is a graduate of Dixie High School and Dixie College in St. George. He spent 9 years as faculty at Dixie State University teaching Economics and Finance adjunct. He has degrees in Finance for Brigham Young University and Carnegie Mellon University. In addition, he is a Chartered Financial Analyst charter holder. Professionally, he is CEO and partner in their real estate brokerage operations that transact over $2 billion in real estate sales and leasing annually and manage more than $1 billion in real estate assets for clients.
Representative Walter chairs the House Education Standing Committee, is a member of the Political Subdivisions standing committee, and is a member of the Higher Education Appropriations Committee where he previously served as vice chair.
State Representative - District 75
Walt Brooks
Walt Brooks has called St. George home nearly his entire life, growing up in and now raising his family in the same historic house his great-grandfather built in the late 1800s. He met his wife, Jennifer, at Dixie College, and together they're raising their five children. Walt graduated from Dixie State University with a B.S. in Business Administration and has built a career in the local economy—owning small businesses and serving as a director of sales in manufacturing, construction, software, and technology.
Since 2016, he's represented House District 75 in the Utah State Legislature, guided by the conservative values that define Southern Utah. He's worked on protecting life, upholding Second Amendment rights, lowering taxes (including those on Social Security), reducing regulations, and promoting more accountable government.
Walt is driven to serve by his genuine appreciation for this region's natural beauty and the hard work of those who came before us, creating such a wonderful place to live and raise a family. He is guided by the Constitution and focuses on what truly matters to our community. It has been a privilege to serve the people of Southern Utah.
County Commissioner - Seat A
Gil Almquist
It has been my pleasure to serve the citizens of Washington County. My wife, Jill, our three children, and eight grandchildren all love Utah’s Dixie. For 40 years, we owned and operated a successful landscape business. Dedicated neighbors and educators helped prepare our children to raise their own families.
I graduated from Dixie College and then received my Bachelor's and Master’s degrees from BYU. My commitment to public service has included the St. George Planning Commission, the St. George City Council, and a Washington County Commissioner, along with numerous boards and committees.
My focus has been centered around water, transportation, public safety and planning. Attainable housing has become an increasing concern. I am fiscally conservative and consistently seek efficiency in how government services are provided. Growth in government is not the answer; balancing budgets and tightening belts is. I am ready to meet the challenges ahead and win.
I stand firmly by the principles of the Republican platform, defend the
Constitution, and promote personal freedom above all. The Caucus/Convention process is the best way to meet neighbors, share ideas, and stay engaged in what makes Washington County great. I look forward to meeting our citizens throughout this election.
County Commissioner - Seat B
Troy Belliston
Troy Belliston has deep roots in Washington County. He is a proven conservative, small business owner, and public servant who believes government works best when it is limited, transparent, and accountable to the people it serves.
Troy currently serves as a City Councilman in Washington City and has been deeply involved in the Republican grassroots as a precinct chair, county delegate, and state delegate. He and his wife, Kimberly, have been married for 32 years and have raised their family right here in Washington County while building a successful business together.
Raised with strong values of service, responsibility, and integrity, Troy has earned a reputation for asking hard questions, focusing on results, and treating taxpayer dollars with the respect they deserve. As a City Councilman, he has been a consistent advocate for fiscal responsibility and common-sense governance, supporting policies that prioritize essential services and deliver a clear return on investment for residents.
Troy believes taxpayers deserve transparency and fairness, not government decision-making that benefits a select few or diverts public resources away from their intended purpose. He brings a common-sense, business-minded approach to public service and believes elected officials should be focused on measurable outcomes, not politics or pet projects.
As County Commissioner, Troy Belliston will work to protect constitutional rights, keep taxes low, stop wasteful spending, and ensure Washington County remains a place where families, businesses, and communities can thrive.
Known for his candid, straightforward style and his willingness to listen, Troy is honored to participate in the caucus and convention process and is committed to advancing conservative leadership that reflects the values and priorities of Washington County Republicans.
County Sheriff
Johnny Heppler
Johnny Heppler is a lifelong Washington County resident, a conservative Republican, and a dedicated law enforcement professional with more than 22 years of service protecting the community he proudly calls home. Born and raised in Southern Utah, Johnny understands the values that make Washington County a safe, strong place to live; faith, family, personal
responsibility, and respect for the rule of law.
Johnny has spent his career with the St. George Police Department, serving in a wide range of assignments and rising through the ranks into senior leadership roles. He currently serves as a Captain, overseeing complex operations and leading men and women who put service above
self every day. His experience has prepared him to manage budgets, personnel, critical incidents, and long-term strategic planning with professionalism and integrity.
The United States Constitution is foundational to Johnny’s approach to public service. He believes in limited government, individual liberty, and the equal application of the law. As Sheriff, he will lead with clear communication, transparency, and accountability, while cultivating unity
and cooperation among law enforcement agencies across Washington County.
Johnny’s faith and family values guide his leadership. He is committed to keeping Washington County safe, free, and thriving for generations to come.
County Clerk/Auditor
Ryan Sullivan
I’m honored to serve as Washington County’s Clerk/Auditor. Since taking office 2.5 years ago, I’ve introduced hand‑counted election audits, strengthened multiple election security measures, transitioned the county’s financial system to a secure cloud‑based platform, digitized and streamlined public processes, updated our website, launched a
proactive internal audit program, and expanded public outreach through presentations and social media.
My roots in Washington County run deep. I grew up working in my family’s St. George restaurant and motel, where I learned the value of hard work. I also competed in bareback bronc and bull riding while attending Dixie High School. After attending Dixie State College, I went on to receive my bachelor’s degree in accounting from Southern Utah University. I then spent 19 years in the County Assessor’s Office as part of the
team responsible for managing and accurately reporting a $36.2 billion assessment roll, and during that time earned my Certified General Appraiser designation.
Today, I serve as the county’s CFO, overseeing a $219.6 million budget, property tax rates, elections, passports, marriage licenses, tax relief programs, and public records. Inspired by pioneer ancestors who helped settle Washington County, I’m committed to
safeguarding elections, protecting taxpayer dollars, and serving the community I love.
County Attorney
Jerry Jaeger
Jerry Jaeger is the Washington County Attorney. Before becoming the County Attorney in 2025, Jerry served as a prosecutor for 23 years and has prosecuted at nearly every level including justice court cases, general crimes cases, and – most recently – special victims cases, which he continues to personally handle. Having also worked as a deputy sheriff and an FBI agent, Jerry has proven his commitment to keeping the community safe. Jerry has received the Honorary Sheriff’s Award, St. George Police Department’s Chief’s Award, and the Washington City Service Award.
As the Washington County Attorney, Jerry balances compassion for victims, the totality of evidence, and being tough on crime in his constant pursuit of justice. Jerry’s love of Washington County began as a student at Dixie College and grew when he and his wife, Stephanie, returned to her hometown of St. George in 1999. They’ve raised their four children in this beautiful community, and he is dedicated to maintaining its safety and security.