David Hinkins


David P. Hinkins is an American politician and a Republican member of the Utah State Senate representing District 26. Prior to redistricting he represented District 27. since January 1, 2009.

Personal life, education, and career

Hinkins attended Emery County High School and Utah Technical College in Provo. Hinkins is married and is a businessman by profession.

Background

  • Utah Forest Stewardship Committee
  • CEU Trustee

Political career

Hinkins was elected to the Senate in 2008 and began his service in 2009.
In 2016, Hinkins served on the following committees:
  • Infrastructure and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee
  • Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Quality Appropriations Subcommittee
  • Senate Business and Labor Committee
  • Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee

Elections

2024
After advancing from the 2024 Republican convention without opposition, the 2024 Republican primary for district 26 were cancelled. He faced Democratic challenger Corbin David Frost and unaffiliated candidate Oran Stainbrook in the general election, winning with 37,182 votes.
2020
No challengers filed to run against Hinkins in the primary and general elections for district 27 in 2020. In the general election, held on November 3, 2020. Unopposed, he received 38,205 votes.
2016
Hinkins ran unopposed in the Republican primary, which was held on June 28, 2016. In the general election, held on November 8, he defeated Democratic nominee Heidi Redd with 26,199 votes.

2012

Hinkins had two challengers but was selected by the Republican convention for the November 6, 2012 General election, which he won with 25,111 votes against Democratic nominee Mike Binyon, who had run for a House seat in 2010.

2008

When Democratic Senator Mike Dmitrich retired and left the seat open, Hinkins ran unopposed for the June 24, 2008 Republican Primary. He then went on to win the November 4, 2008 General election with 17,693 votes against Democratic nominee Brad King.

Legislation

2016 Sponsored Legislation

Floor Sponsored Legislation:
  • Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Quality Base Budget
  • Transportation Interim Committee Reports Amendments
  • Wildlife Amendments
  • Human Trafficking Amendments
  • Public Utilities and Technology Committee Name Change
  • Agricultural Exemption Amendments
  • Scenic Byway Amendments
  • Constitutional Defense Restricted Account Amendments
  • Utah Public Land Management Act
  • Injured Wildlife Amendments
  • Cosmetology Amendments
  • Law Enforcement Revisions
  • Motor Vehicle Accident Cost Recovery
  • Unmanned Vehicle Amendments
  • Concurrent Resolution on Waters of the United States
  • Concurrent Resolution on Utah Public Lands
  • Concurrent Resolution Opposing Unilateral Use of the Antiquities Act
  • Joint Rules Resolution Changing an Interim Committee Name

Political positions

Hinkins voted against HB222, which would have expanded access to the National [School Lunch Program], stating that it is the responsibility of parents to provide breakfast for children.