After six years on the South Salt Lake City Council, Councilmember LeAnne Huff has stepped down, announcing her resignation effective immediately at the Jan. 28 council meeting.

“I have decided it's time for me to reorder my priorities and focus on other areas of my life,” said Huff who represented District 1. “It has been a profound honor to represent the residents of District 1 over the past six years. I want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to serve this community and for the privilege of working alongside each and every one of you and with the residents and dedicated staff who make this place a vibrant place to live.”

Huff noted that she is stepping away with a sense of pride regarding where the city is headed. 

“I remain incredibly proud of the progress we have accomplished during my time here together,” she said. “I'm committed in assisting in any way possible that's helpful to ensure a smooth transition for my successor and the District 1 community.”

"For six years, LeAnne Huff represented District 1 and served the city through compassion and determination to improve quality of life for our residents,” Mayor Cherie Wood said in a statement to the South Salt Lake Journal later. “She has been a reliable councilmember, offering a valuable perspective through her profession as a mental health specialist. We are a stronger city thanks in part to her contributions, and she will be missed at the council dais. I wish her happiness and success in her future endeavors."

The evening also brought a formal update regarding District 5. Council Chair Sharla Bynum announced that the seat formerly held by Paul Sanchez—who was censured by the council last year for social media posts he allegedly made—has been declared vacant. Under Utah law, if an elected representative is absent from their district for more than 60 days during their term, the office is vacated.

“Councilmember Sanchez has failed to fulfill his responsibilities as a member of the South Salt Lake City Council since at least August 2025. The city of South Salt Lake has an obligation to abide by state law,” Bynum said, reading from an official statement. 

Bynum also acknowledged the personal circumstances surrounding the vacancy, adding, “We do wish former Councilmember Sanchez the best of luck. And he's had some health problems. We're aware of that and we wish him all of the best.”

By law, the city has 30 days from the notification of vacancy to fill the positions. City spokesperson Joseph Danes confirmed that candidates for both the District 1 and District 5 seats would be interviewed at an upcoming meeting.

Applicants for the offices were scheduled to be interviewed by the city council in an open work meeting on Feb. 25 (after press deadline). The council was then scheduled to vote to select the new representatives during its regular meeting immediately following the interviews.