Note to readers • This story is made possible through a partnership between The Salt Lake Tribune and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization. It was updated after publication to add Nancy Lee Peterson’s responses, provided after deadline.

Republican incumbent Nelson Abbott faces write-in candidate Nancy Lee Peterson in this year’s election to represent House District 57.

Abbott has served in that role since 2023. He is a business attorney with more than two decades of legal experience, according to his legislator website.

Peterson filed as a write-in candidate on Aug. 17. She does not appear to have a campaign website.

House District 57 borders Utah Lake in Utah County, and includes sections of Vineyard and Orem.

Candidates were asked to submit photos and answers to a questionnaire. Abbott did not respond to the survey requests, and Peterson provided her answers after The Salt Lake Tribune’s deadline. This story was updated on Oct. 16 to include them.

Utah voters told us government corruption is their top concern in this year’s election. Why do you think voters feel this way? And why should Utahns trust you to represent them?

Peterson: Concerns about government corruption are legitimate, fueled by accusations across the political spectrum. Many of us rely on a singular source of social media “news” feeding us truths intertwined with deceptions. I will invite voters to share concerns, and actively listen to their ideas and recommendations for identifying and addressing government corruption.

Abbott: Did not answer.

Utahns told us affordability is their second-highest priority in this election. How would you help Utahns afford housing, groceries, gas and other day-to-day expenses?

Peterson: I share a profound concern about affordability and I believe government corruption contributes to the problem. I will engage voters through focus groups, listen to their ideas, conduct thorough research into successful approaches elsewhere, and collaborate with like-minded House colleagues to turn those findings into decisive action.

Abbott: Did not answer.

Water resources were also a top concern for voters. What policies would you support as Utah looks to balance growth with preservation of the Great Salt Lake and the Colorado River?

Peterson: Though I am not, as yet, well-versed in policies of the water resource issues in our state, I value the proactive work of individuals and organizations who are showing us the perspectives, approaches and plans for preservation. I support and will contribute to state government working in tandem to balance preservation with growth.

Abbott: Did not answer.

What is another topic you care about and want to address if elected to public office?

Peterson: I am deeply grateful for our Lieutenant Governor’s judgment, strength and fortitude in refusing to surrender sensitive voter information to the federal government. We must protect free and fair elections while preserving the state’s responsibility to conduct them. I am committed to this stance, even under threats of federal investigation.

Abbott: Did not answer.

How will you vote on Constitutional Amendment A? If passed, the amendment will stop the practice of publishing the full text of amendments and ballot questions by lawmakers in a newspaper for 60 days ahead of an election and instead require that text to be published on two state websites.

Peterson: Against.

Abbott: Did not answer.

How will you vote on Constitutional Amendment B? If passed, citizen-proposed laws that increase taxes would need to be approved by 60% of voters, instead of a simple majority.

Peterson: For.

Abbott: Did not answer.

What’s your favorite book and why?

Peterson: As a professor and lover of young people’s literature, my favorite book is “The Labors of Hercules Beal” by Gary D. Schmidt. Its themes of community, individual healing and the power of shifting perspectives deeply resonate with me.

Abbott: Did not answer.