JQ
Candidate

Jorge Quinones

State HouseDemocrat

UT-HD-17 State House

Puerto Rican

Why This Race Matters

Jorge Quinones is running against Democratic primary: Eric Last (2014, 2020 candidate); GOP primary: Sam Barlow (son of retiring Rep. Stewart Barlow), Lili Bitner, Adam Sorenson; Forward Party: Kimberly Wagner.

Open seat in central Davis County after 15-year Republican incumbent Stewart Barlow retires; competitive multi-candidate field; if Sam Barlow wins, he would be third generation of Barlows in Utah Legislature (following grandfather Haven Barlow, Utah's longest-serving legislator with 42 years)

HD-17 covers Fruit Heights and central Davis County; Stewart Barlow has held seat since 2011; three-generation Barlow political dynasty at stake; six candidates total across three parties

Key dates to watch: Primary on June 23, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.

About

Jorge Quinones is a transmission engineer at Rocky Mountain Power and a Democratic candidate for Utah House District 17. A first-generation college graduate with roots in Puerto Rico, he brings over 15 years of electrical engineering experience across diverse sectors including utilities, tech, and religious institutions. He previously ran for Farmington City Mayor in 2025, earning 14% of the vote on a platform of community livability.

Family & Heritage

Puerto Rican heritage with ties to Toa Alta, San Juan, and Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico; resides in Davis County, Utah (Centerville/Farmington area); first-generation college graduate

Political Career

Before Politics

Transmission Engineer at Rocky Mountain Power overseeing power distribution for industrial and residential areas; previously Electrical Engineer at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (progressed from Engineer to Electrical Engineer II); Electrical Engineer at Skullcandy in telecommunications sector; Electrical Engineer at WesTech applying expertise to water irrigation systems; Design Electrical Engineer at Square D in retail environment; Electrical Engineer at Harman Music Group

Education

B.S. Electrical Engineering, California State University, Northridge; M.B.A., University of Phoenix

Key Issues & Priorities

*Community livability and quality of life
*safety and modern infrastructure
*family-friendly neighborhoods
*access to natural resources
*support for working families
*sustainable growth in Davis County