Ryan M. Harris, presiding judge of the Utah Court of Appeals, is on the ballot Nov. 3 for a yes-or-no retention vote. Harris is certified for the ballot in the nonpartisan race, according to BallotReady election data.

Utah voters will see the question "Retain Harris?" on their general election ballots. The race carries no opposing candidate.

Candidate information

  • Name: Ryan M. Harris
  • Office: Utah Court of Appeals, retention election
  • Election: Nov. 3, 2026, Utah General Election
  • Party: Nonpartisan
  • Education: Bachelor's degree, Brigham Young University (1995); J.D., Stanford University (1998)

Experience and public service

Harris clerked for Judge Stephen H. Anderson on the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit in 1998, according to his Utah Courts biography. He then practiced law at Jones, Waldo, Holbrook & McDonough.

Harris served as a small claims judge at Utah Small Claims Court beginning in 2011, according to his Utah Courts biography. He also served as a District 3 judge at Utah District Court from 2011 to 2017, according to BallotReady profile data.

Harris joined the Utah Court of Appeals in 2017, according to BallotReady. He serves as presiding judge, according to his Utah Courts biography.

Harris has also taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Utah, according to BallotReady.

During his time as a trial judge, Harris twice received the Judicial Excellence Award from the Litigation Section of the Utah State Bar, according to his Utah Courts biography. He is a past chairperson of the bar's Litigation Section.

Endorsements

Harris has received one endorsement claimed by the endorser, according to BallotReady profile data:

  • Governing Group

Candidate information is drawn from the Utah Courts judicial biography and BallotReady election data.