After serving for the last four years as mayor of Bountiful and prior to that, eight years on the city council, Mayor Kendalyn Harris is ready for a change.

“Twelve years is long enough to serve in one place,” Harris said. “It’s time to give others a chance.” 

She’s already taken the next step on the political ladder, throwing her hat into the ring for one of three coveted positions on the Davis County Commission and has begun fundraising efforts. Filing for next year’s elections takes place in January with primaries during the summer and the general election in November 2026.

“Some of what I did on a city level has really equipped me to deal with the challenges faced in the county arena,” said Harris. “I’ve had a front-row seat to what’s been going on.”

Specifically, the city and county worked together over the years on issues involving the library, dispatch challenges, animal control and warming centers, to name a few. Harris also feels her presence on the commission is important to filling a decade-long gap in representation for the south end of Davis County.

Reflecting on the highs and lows of her four years as the Bountiful’s top boss, Harris said, “I really liked how city work is nonpartisan. You focus on what needs to be done and not the politics of it. I also grew to have a deep appreciation for our city employees and their work ethic – doing things like fixing leaks in the road in the middle of the night so people would have water in the morning.

“And I really enjoyed the camaraderie I had with the 14 other Davis County mayors,” she continued. “It was great to get to know them and bounce ideas off each other.”

Working with local businesses and championing their efforts was a huge source of satisfaction to her. “People pour their blood, sweat, tears and money into their businesses that in turn create jobs and add vitality and sales tax to the city,” she said. “They deserve our support.”

She said there was nothing she disliked about being mayor. “I only wish I’d had a magic wand and could fix everyone’s problems,” she said. “Sometimes problems take longer to solve than they should. But part of the fun of the job was being able to make a difference sometimes when people complained to me about bike lanes or beekeeping or barking dogs, etc.

Harris’s soft-spoken, kind leadership style has at times led others to mistakenly underestimate her resolve on certain issues. “I’ve had to make difficult decisions and cast tough votes as an elected official,” said Harris. “After 12 years in city government, I feel really secure in my own skin. I don’t apologize for my decisions or personality. I have what I consider to be a quiet strength. I’m able to dig deep and do what I think is right. I trust myself to make tough calls and feel confident doing so.”

Speaking on leadership in general, Harris said, “When people think of a leader, they often picture someone who is abrasive and tough; who commands the room. When I led city council meetings, I could be my true self: reserved, quiet and gentle, yet effective. I hope people can view leadership as a broader skillset and recognize a good leader doesn’t have to be showy or have a gargantuan presence.”

Regarding the race for county commissioner, she said, “I have a quiet confidence my parents instilled in me. I will run a strong campaign and do my very best and it will be on my terms. I am who I am.”