If you’ve been following the news out of Salt Lake City lately, you know things have been moving fast. Really fast. For decades, leadership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints felt like a steady, predictable marathon. But the last few months of 2025 and the start of 2026 have felt more like a whirlwind. Between the passing of a centenarian prophet and the sudden loss of the man many expected to follow him, the question of who will be the next president of the lds church has taken on a whole new level of urgency.
It's not just about a title. For millions of members, this is about who they believe is the "Prophet, Seer, and Revelator" for the entire world.
The Current State of the First Presidency
Let’s get the facts on the ground first. Right now, as of January 2026, Dallin H. Oaks is the President of the Church. He was set apart on October 14, 2025, following the death of Russell M. Nelson, who made it all the way to 101. President Oaks is 93. He’s sharp, he’s a former Utah Supreme Court justice, and he doesn’t mince words.
But here’s where it gets complicated. Usually, there’s a very clear "heir apparent"—the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. For a long time, that was Jeffrey R. Holland.
People loved Elder Holland. He was the guy who spoke with so much emotion you felt it in your living room. He was next in line. But in a heartbreaking turn of events, President Holland passed away on December 27, 2025, just weeks after becoming the President of the Quorum. He was 85. Complications from kidney disease finally took him, and honestly, the Church is still reeling from that.
So, with the "obvious" successor gone, everyone is looking at the seniority list again.
How Succession Actually Works (It’s Not an Election)
One thing people get wrong all the time is thinking there’s some kind of back-room campaign or a vote like a political convention. There isn't. The LDS Church is probably the most organized entity on the planet when it comes to "who's in charge."
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The rule is basically "last man standing."
When a President dies, the First Presidency (the top three guys) is automatically dissolved. The two counselors go back to their spots in the Quorum of the Twelve. Then, the man who has been an Apostle the longest becomes the new President. No debate. No voting. Just seniority.
The Seniority List as of January 2026
If something were to happen to President Oaks today, here is the exact order of who would take the reins.
- Henry B. Eyring (Age 92): He is currently the most senior Apostle after President Oaks. He’s served in the First Presidency for years. He’s known for being soft-spoken and deeply spiritual. Because he’s currently a counselor to President Oaks, he's technically the President of the Quorum of the Twelve, but he doesn't run the day-to-day of the Quorum.
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf (Age 85): Since President Eyring is in the First Presidency, Elder Uchtdorf was just named the Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve on January 8, 2026. The former Lufthansa pilot is incredibly popular. If both Oaks and Eyring passed away, he’d be the guy.
- David A. Bednar (Age 73): This is the name everyone watches. Why? Because he’s relatively young. He was ordained in 2004. If he outlives the men above him—which, statistically, is likely—he could be the President of the Church for twenty years or more.
Why the Next President Matters So Much
You might wonder why people obsess over these names. It’s because each President brings a different "vibe" to the Church.
Russell M. Nelson was the "Change Agent." He shortened church meetings to two hours, changed the names of organizations, and announced more temples than anyone in history. Dallin H. Oaks, being a legal mind, is very focused on religious liberty and the "law" side of the gospel.
The person who becomes the next president of the lds church after Oaks will define the late 2020s and early 2030s.
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If it's Henry B. Eyring, expect a focus on personal testimony and family history. If the mantle falls to Dieter F. Uchtdorf, you’ll likely see a massive push toward global inclusion and a very "come as you are" message. He has a way of making the gospel feel very modern and accessible.
Then there’s David A. Bednar. He’s known for being incredibly disciplined and precise. Some members find him intense; others find his clarity exactly what they need. A "Bednar Era" would likely be defined by a massive emphasis on "covenant belonging" and deep scriptural study.
The Wildcard: Health and Longevity
We have to be real here: we’re talking about men in their 80s and 90s.
President Oaks is 93. President Eyring is 92. While they have access to the best healthcare in the world, the reality of biology is a factor. The passing of Jeffrey R. Holland was a reminder that the seniority list can change overnight.
There's also the "interregnum" period. When a President dies, the Quorum of the Twelve leads as a group for a short time before the new President is officially set apart. During that time, they meet in the Salt Lake Temple, they pray, and they sustain the new leader. It’s a quiet, private process that hasn't changed much since the 1800s.
What about the newer Apostles?
Further down the list, you have men like D. Todd Christofferson (currently a counselor to President Oaks) and Quentin L. Cook. They are in their 80s. Then you have the "younger" group:
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- Gerrit W. Gong
- Ulisses Soares
- Patrick Kearon
Patrick Kearon is an interesting one. He’s British and has a very different background than the "Utah-born" stereotype. He’s currently the most junior Apostle, but in this system, time is everything.
The Takeaway for Members and Observers
If you’re trying to predict the future of the LDS Church, don't look for a popular vote. Look at the calendar.
The next president of the lds church will almost certainly be Henry B. Eyring if President Oaks passes away soon. If President Eyring passes first, the mantle goes to Dieter F. Uchtdorf.
The system is designed to prevent "lobbying." Nobody is trying to get the job. In fact, most of these men talk about how the weight of the calling is actually quite terrifying. They serve until they die. There is no retirement.
For those watching the Church's trajectory:
- Watch President Oaks’ upcoming talks in the April 2026 General Conference. This will be his first major "Solemn Assembly" where he is formally sustained by the worldwide membership.
- Keep an eye on the health of Henry B. Eyring. His ability to travel and speak will be a major indicator of his readiness to lead should the time come.
- Follow the assignments given to Dieter F. Uchtdorf as the new Acting President of the Quorum. He is now the one directing the work of the other Apostles and the various committees that run the global church.
The transition from the Nelson era to the Oaks era happened in the blink of an eye. With the unexpected loss of President Holland, the line of succession has shifted, putting the focus squarely on the seniority of President Eyring and President Uchtdorf.
To stay informed on the official changes, your best bet is to monitor the Church Newsroom updates. They are the first to announce changes in the Quorum seniority or the health status of the First Presidency. You can also review the full biography of the current Apostles to see how their professional backgrounds—ranging from heart surgery and law to aviation and business—influence the way they lead.