Her new bid comes on the heels a narrow loss to former state Rep. Marsha Judkins in the Provo mayoral election in November. Judkins will be sworn-in as Provo’s new mayor on Jan. 6.

“When I first took office as mayor of Provo City, my goal was simple: to leave the city better than I found it,” Kaufusi said in a news release. “By listening to residents, making thoughtful decisions, and working collaboratively, we achieved meaningful results. With strong encouragement and support from across Utah County, I’m ready to bring that same proven, conservative leadership to serve the entire county.”

Kaufusi’s announcement came after County Commissioner Amelia Powers Gardner said she will not seek reelection following the completion of her sixth year on the commission.

Powers Gardner backed Kaufusi, lauding her leadership on major projects like the Provo Airport and the Provo Reclamation Facility.

“County government demands that same kind of leadership,” Powers Gardner said. “It requires leaders who have a clear vision and the ability to execute it. Michelle has proven she can do both, and she’s ready to lead at the county level.”

Kaufusi also received the support from Commissioner Brandon Gordon, Spanish Fork Mayor Mike Mendenhall and American Fork Mayor Brad Frost, among several other leaders.