John “JK” Kenworthy withdraws from Park City Council Race, citing shift back to citizen advocacy

John "JK" Kenworthy announced his withdrawal from the Park City Council election on Sept. 18, 2025. Photo: courtesy John Kenworthy

PARK CITY — John “JK” Kenworthy has ended his campaign for Park City Council, saying he will return his focus to citizen advocacy after recent events turned the election into a distraction from core community issues.

Kenworthy, who has served on the Park City Planning Commission and chaired the Historic Preservation Board, announced his decision Tuesday after what he described as careful reflection with family, friends, and supporters.

“I entered this race to help Park City focus on facts, solutions, and quality of life,” Kenworthy said in a statement. “I am grateful to everyone who volunteered, donated, and opened their doors to conversations about our future. I will keep working for Park City in ways that are constructive and unifying.”

In a separate statement to local media, Kenworthy cited a political climate he said has become dominated by “misinformation and groupthink,” as well as recent controversy surrounding a letter published in the Park Record’s Opinion section about him. The letter criticized Kenworthy for comments at a community meeting in which he allegedly said Park City councilor Tana Toly needed him as a “big brother” to supervise and help her make decisions, calling the remark patronizing and misogynistic. The signers argued the statement reflects outdated views of women as subordinates, saying it disrespects women in leadership and is incompatible with the standards expected of modern public service.

Ten women signed the letter, though none were present at the event it referenced, according to two regular moderators of the group who were in attendance. Moderators of the discussion reviewed a digital transcript and sent their own letter into the Park Record confirming that the quote the women attributed to Kenworthy was not included in the transcript.

The letter was signed by Park City Mayor Nann Worel and members of the Summit County Council Tonja Hanson and Megan McKenna, among others.

“Recent events surrounding the letter circulated about me have become a distraction,” Kenworthy wrote. “Political ambushes from City Hall have become all too common. The Park City Municipal I proudly served for 16 years no longer feels recognizable.”

Kenworthy criticized what he described as a lack of accountability in city government, pointing to “staggering losses” related to the Sundance Film Festival, the Kimball Arts Center, and drops in Main Street visitation to the tune of 800,000 visitors a year.

“The situation has shifted attention away from the real work and real issues this campaign should be about,” he said. “By stepping back into a citizen advocacy role, I want to help the town get back to what matters: a laser focus on the issues that define Park City’s future, and an honest assessment of each candidate’s skill set, professional qualifications, and record of experience.”

All campaign activity will cease immediately, and donations will be returned, according to the announcement.

Kenworthy’s background in Park City includes a role in the Planning Commission’s decision to uphold Park City Mountain’s lift appeal — a ruling later affirmed by the Utah Court of Appeals — as well as leadership on the Historic Preservation Board. He has also been involved in redevelopment efforts, including the project that led to the current Park Avenue library building.

Kenworthy said he remains committed to Park City and to “advocating for honesty, transparency, and accountability in our local government.”

“The truth will always need a friend, and I will always be one,” he wrote.

City Recorder, Michelle Kellogg confirmed the withdrawal and explained Kenworthy’s name will still be on the ballot because the overseas ballots have already been mailed out.

“We will do everything possible to notify voters of his withdrawal. Any votes for him will not be counted,” Kellogg said.

The County clerk will send emails for all voters she has email addresses for and there will be signs at the polling locations. Park City will also send out social media reminders that he has withdrawn, she added.

Kenworthy narrowly defeated candidate Beth Armstrong in the primary election for Park City Council. Now, Tana Toly, Diego Zegarra and Jeremy Rubell are left in the race for two open city council seats.

Editor’s note: A correction was issued to this story – the transcript was released by LDMS not the League of Women’s Voters.