Gay Lynn Bennion

Gay Lynn Bennion is an American politician serving as a member of the Utah House of Representatives from the 41st district. Elected in November 2020, she assumed office on January 1, 2021. She filed to run for mayor of Cottonwood Heights, Utah on June 6, 2025 against incumbent Mayor Mike Weichers.^[1]

Gay Lynn Bennion
Member of the Utah House of Representatives
Incumbent
Assumed office January 1, 2021
Preceded by	Marie Poulson
Constituency	46th district (2021–2023) 41st district (2023–present)
Personal details
Born	Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Children	4
Education	Brigham Young University (BA)

Early life and education

Bennion was born in Salt Lake City and raised in Holladay, Utah. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Brigham Young University.^[2][3]

Career

Bennion has worked as a volunteer teacher. Since 2013, she has been the education director of the Women's State Legislative Council of Utah. She was elected to the Utah House of Representatives in November 2020, defeating Republican Jaren Davis with nearly 57% of the vote.^[4] She assumed office on January 1, 2021, succeeding Marie Poulson.^[2]

Personal life

After graduating from college, Bennion's husband, Jim, enlisted in the United States Air Force. The couple then moved to Washington, D.C., where Bennion worked at a mortgage firm while her husband attended medical school. Bennion's family lived in Oklahoma, Michigan, and Georgia before returning to Utah in 2012. Bennion and her husband have four children.^[5] She is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.^[6]