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Shall JAY WINWARD be retained in the office of Judge of the District Court of the Fifth Judicial District?

Iron County, Utah
Retention race

What does this office do?

  • Deciding trials in the county
  • Ruling on evidence and setting sentences in criminal cases
  • Deciding family, probate, and civil disputes

Affects: Public Safety and Crime Control, Criminal Justice and Civil Liberties, Housing Affordability,

Jay Winward

Nonpartisan · Incumbent · Official site

Fifth District Court judge since 2022, appointed by Governor Spencer J. Cox. He was a federal prosecutor for the United States and earlier a partner at Winward Law.

Track record

Track record — General

General · 2 records

  • Was the target of a June 8, 2026 motion by Washington County prosecutors to remove him from the rape case against former BYU football player Parker Kingston. They said he favored the defendant's athletic career. Presiding Judge John Walton denied the motion on June 9, 2026.

    June 9, 2026

    Source: ksl.com

  • Was confirmed by the Utah Senate as a Fifth District Court judge on February 17, 2023, by a 24-0 vote. Gov. Spencer Cox had appointed him while he was a federal prosecutor in St. George.

    February 17, 2023

    Source: le.utah.gov

Track record — Impartiality

Impartiality · 1 favorable

  • Received a 12-0 vote to retain from the Utah Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission in the report it shows voters for his 2026 retention question. He passed all 8 minimum standards, and 85% of surveyed court users recommended keeping him. He scored below his peers on legal ability, temperament and fairness, and the report says he should be more patient and open-minded.

    October 15, 2026Favorable on Impartiality

    Source: judges.utah.gov

Track record — Legal Competence

Legal Competence · 1 favorable

  • Received a 12-0 vote to retain from the Utah Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission in the report it shows voters for his 2026 retention question. He passed all 8 minimum standards, and 85% of surveyed court users recommended keeping him. He scored below his peers on legal ability, temperament and fairness, and the report says he should be more patient and open-minded.

    October 15, 2026Favorable on Legal Competence

    Source: judges.utah.gov

Sources: vote.utah.gov2