Gay Lynn Bennion is a Democratic politician who represented Utah House District 41 from January 2021 until her resignation in December 2025. Elected in November 2020 by defeating Republican Jaren Davis with nearly 57% of the vote, she succeeded Marie Poulson and served on committees including Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environmental Quality, Political Subdivisions, and the Veterans and Military Affairs Commission. In November 2025, she was elected as the first female Mayor of Cottonwood Heights, Utah, defeating incumbent Mike Weichers, and assumed office thereafter. Notable achievements include her leadership in the Women’s State Legislative Council of Utah since 2013, volunteer English teaching, and advocacy through Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense. Born in Salt Lake City, she is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, married to Jim Bennion , and mother of four.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Brigham Young University .
• Political Experience:
  • Education Director, Women’s State Legislative Council of Utah .
  • Utah House of Representatives, District 41 , focusing on natural resources, environment, and military affairs.
  • Mayor of Cottonwood Heights .