Two candidates are challenging incumbent U.S. Rep. Burgess Owens for Utah’s 4th Congressional District seat in the 2024 general election.
Vaughn Cook of the United Utah Party and Democrat Katrina Fallick-Wang are challenging Owens, a Republican, for the right to represent parts of Salt Lake County, Utah and Juab counties, as well as all of Sanpete County.
The Salt Lake Tribune submitted the same set of questions, based on top issues readers said they were watching in this election, to each candidate. The questions and their answers that appear below — with the candidates listed in alphabetical order — may have been edited slightly for length, style or grammar.
What specifically would you do in Congress to mitigate the impacts of climate change on Utah?
Vaughn Cook: Regenerative farming is shown to positively impact atmospheric CO2 and reduce soil erosion. I would promote policies to encourage it, and I would encourage this type of investment and farming in CD4. Renewable energy can also mitigate the problem, but the trade-offs from renewable technologies need to be closely analyzed. I don’t think carbon capture technology is the solution; we need to focus on approaches that co-op the earth’s natural regenerative capabilities.
Katrina Fallick-Wang: In Congress, I’ll support clean energy initiatives, like those in the Inflation Reduction Act, and advocate for federal funding to restore the Great Salt Lake through the Great Salt Lake Recovery Act (H.R. 6267). I’ll back the CLEAN Future Act to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and promote water conservation through the Water Resources Development Act. These actions will mitigate climate change impacts while creating green jobs and improving Utah’s public health.
Burgess Owens: Declined to answer.
As a member of Congress, what solutions would you propose or support for states that rely on a diminishing Colorado River?
Cook: It appears to me that the negotiators from the impacted states and tribes are doing a good job. The solution will require everyone to stay at the table until an agreement is reached — this isn’t a problem that can be solved by federal mandate or legal action. Water shortage hurts a lot of people, and I believe federal participation in terms of compensation for losses and paying for conservation efforts must remain part of the negotiation.
Wang: To address the diminishing Colorado River, I would advocate for collaborative, regional water-sharing agreements between states and promote agricultural efficiency programs to reduce water waste. I’d also support investments in innovative water-saving technologies like desalination and water reuse systems. By focusing on collaboration and sustainable practices, we can ensure long-term water availability for Utah’s communities and agriculture.
Owens: Declined to answer.
Vaughn Cook is running for Utah's 4th Congressional District
Would you support legislation that protects fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization?
Cook: Yes. I’m a proponent of greater medical freedom. I believe, with informed consent, patients should have the freedom to choose whatever therapy they feel is in their best interest. One size does not fit all; this is true in medicine and healthcare.
Fallick-Wang: Yes, I would support legislation that protects fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF). Every family deserves the opportunity to access medical treatments that can help them have children. Protecting IVF ensures that families facing fertility challenges have options, and safeguards the right to make private healthcare decisions without government interference. Accessible fertility treatments are a key part of comprehensive healthcare for Utah families.
Owens: Declined to answer.
Do you support easier pathways to legal immigration?
Cook: Yes.
Fallick-Wang: Yes.
Owens: Declined to answer.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Rep. Burgess Owens talks about a major Jordan River restoration project in West Jordan on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024.
Do you support re-opening the application process for young people eligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program?
Cook: Yes.
Fallick-Wang: Yes.
Owens: Declined to answer.
As suggested by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, do you support mass deportations of undocumented residents?
Cook: No. His rhetoric may enrage and mobilize voters, but it’s not a practical solution. What is needed is immigration reform. This will include securing the border, giving enforcement personnel the tools and respect they need to enforce the law, faster processing of migrants and asylum claims, a streamlined process to accommodate the migrant worker needs of U.S. farmers and employers, and a modernized path to citizenship.
Fallick-Wang: No, I do not support mass deportations. They are inhumane, economically harmful, and would not reduce crime or make our communities safer. Mass deportations tear apart families, erode trust in law enforcement, and undermine our core values as a nation built by immigrants. Instead, I support comprehensive immigration reform, including a path to citizenship for those contributing to our society and economy.
Owens: Declined to answer.
What will you do to end toxic partisanship in Washington?
Cook: As a third-party candidate, I don’t have a dog in the fight of partisan politics. My only loyalty will be to the people of Utah’s 4th Congressional District. In Congress, my objective will be to build alliances with other moderates, regardless of party affiliation, and to vote in the interests of Utah. I won’t pursue frivolous ideological-statement legislation, and I won’t grandstand to make someone else look bad.
Fallick-Wang: Ending toxic partisanship requires leadership and action. I believe we are more similar than different, and working together is the only way forward. In Congress, I will prioritize building bipartisan coalitions to address common concerns like lowering healthcare costs, protecting the environment, and supporting working families. I support reforms like ranked-choice voting and open primaries, which encourage broader representation. I’ll focus on collaboration to advance legislation that benefits all Americans.
Owens: Declined to answer.
