Who is Jim Dunnigan, and why are we endorsing him for Utah House of Representatives, District 36?

“Jim Dunnigan is a proven conservative with decades of service to Taylorsville, a consistent record of opposing tax increases, and landmark achievements in campaign finance reform and consumer protection. His small business background, deep community ties, and unwavering commitment to government transparency make him one of the most trusted legislators in the region.”

— Salt Lake County Regional Advisory Board · Meet the Board →

 

Why This Seat Matters

The Utah House of Representatives sets state law on everything from taxes and education to consumer protections and government accountability. House District 36 covers Taylorsville and West Jordan, two communities that have grown significantly and depend on a representative who understands their priorities. The June 23, 2026 primary will determine who carries the Republican banner for this seat, and the stakes for families, taxpayers, and local businesses are real.

 

Meet Jim

Jim Dunnigan and his wife Vicki have lived in Taylorsville for 48 years. They raised their two children here, both of whom graduated from Taylorsville High School, and today they’re grandparents to six. Jim’s roots in this community aren’t a campaign talking point. They’re the reason he got into public service in the first place. That service began long before the state legislature. He served on the Taylorsville/Bennion Community Council from 1991 to 1996, helped organize Taylorsville’s incorporation as a city, and later served on its inaugural City Council from 1996 to 2002. He knows Taylorsville not just as a place he’s lived, but as a place he helped build.

As a state legislator, his record has earned recognition across the board: 2020 Business Champion from the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, Utah Small Business Champion of the Year from the National Federation of Independent Business, and a spot on the Utah Business Coalition’s Top 30 Business-Friendly Legislators list. Those honors are backed by a consistent, principled record. He’s voted against food taxes, gas taxes, and property tax increases. He led the legislative investigation into former Attorney General John Swallow and then passed Utah’s most significant campaign finance reform in decades, holding his own party to the same standard he’d hold anyone else. He sponsored legislation to eliminate predatory lending in Utah. And he’s consistently worked to protect senior citizens, including expanding the income seniors can earn without their Social Security benefits being taxed.

 

What He’s Running On

Taxes — Jim has voted against the food tax, the gas tax, and property tax increases throughout his legislative career. His position is straightforward: families and seniors are better stewards of their own money than government is. That’s not a slogan. It’s a consistent voting record.

Education — Jim supports Utah’s teachers and trusts Utah’s parents. Education decisions belong to families, educators, and local communities, not federal bureaucrats. His focus is keeping those decisions close to home and making sure students leave school genuinely prepared for what’s next.

Government Transparency — Jim led the investigation into former Attorney General John Swallow and then passed the most sweeping campaign finance reform Utah had seen in decades, proving that accountability applies to everyone, including members of his own party.

Consumer Protection — Jim believes people facing financial hardship should never be exploited. He sponsored and passed legislation eliminating predatory lending practices in Utah, providing real protections for individuals and families when they need help most.

 

The Field

Jim Dunnigan won an overwhelming 96% of the delegate vote at the Salt Lake County convention, claiming the Republican nomination outright and bypassing the primary. With decades of community investment and a legislative record specific enough to check, Jim stood out from the field: consistent on taxes, proven on transparency, trusted by the community he’s served his entire adult life. That’s why we’re proud to endorse him.

 

Get to Know Jim

Want to learn more? Visit ElectDunnigan.com, follow him on Facebook, or support his campaign.

The DOERS Network endorses candidates through a rigorous local vetting process led by regional advisory boards made up of community leaders who know their counties best. Learn more about how endorsements work →