> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://utahpolitics.news/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Podcast: We know a trial balloon when we see one
- URL: https://utahpolitics.news/podcasts/john-curtis-utah-governor-race-box-elder-data-center-special-session/
- Published: 2026-05-13T22:04:58.000Z
- Updated: 2026-05-13T22:04:58.000Z
- Author: Bryan Schott
- Tags: Podcasts, Elections, Congress, Legislature

The 2028 Utah governor's race hasn't officially started, and it's already eating up a lot of attention in Utah politics. 

On this episode of Special Session with Bryan Schott, Bryan breaks down why [Sen. John Curtis' interest in the governor's race](https://www.politico.com/news/2026/05/11/sen-john-curtis-exploring-2028-run-for-utah-governor-00913981?ref=utahpolitics.news) could massively change the dynamics of a contest that won't happen for two years. We know a trial balloon when we see one.

We also get into the escalating controversy around the massive data center in Box Elder County, where Kevin O'Leary has gone from pitching a vision to calling protesters Chinese agents and showing up on CNN in a ridiculous hat. Something isn't adding up about this project.

Plus, a state school board candidate who won his Republican nomination [dropped out of the race](https://utahpolitics.news/utah-school-board-gop-nominee-quits-sabotage-allegations-salt-lake-county/) because he got blocked from tagging the Salt Lake County GOP on Facebook. Seriously.

Subscribe to Special Session with Bryan Schott [at this link](https://special-session.transistor.fm/s1/59?ref=utahpolitics.news) or wherever you get your podcasts.

[![CTA Image](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/05/ff054ad9-05eb-4301-bd7c-0d7e2e111eac/content/images/2026/04/2026.04.01-News-Tip.svg)](https://utahpolitics.news/send-a-confidential-news-tip/) 

****If you have a news tip that we should investigate, email us at** [****tips@utahpolitics.news**](mailto:tips@utahpoliticalwatch.news) **or send your tip through our secure online form.**

[Send your news tip ](https://utahpolitics.news/send-a-confidential-news-tip/)