The Salt Lake Tribune Editorial Board invited the major party candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives to submit statements in support of their campaigns.
1st Congressional District
Blake Moore, incumbent, Republican
Utahns are shouldering the costs of irresponsible federal spending, which has contributed to historic inflation and driven up the prices of groceries, gas, clothing, travel and much more. After years of unrestrained spending, we find our nation at a critical juncture: Elected officials can either choose to ignore the economic, security and social risks posed by our excessive spending, or we can choose to act and prevent the looming crisis our children will face in the coming years.
As a productive conservative representing Utah’s 1st District, I’ve helped craft substantive solutions to our nation’s most pressing economic problems. I was thrilled to be appointed to serve on the House Budget Committee this spring in addition to my work on the Armed Services and Natural Resources Committees.
Utah knows how to balance our budget and understands why we need to reverse America’s debt-to-GDP ratio. I created a Debt and Deficit Task Force in Ogden with local leaders to put together a framework of solutions for how we can best grow the economy and optimize regulations, strengthen our vital programs to protect the vulnerable, focus America’s spending on our greatest needs, and reform Congress’s budgeting process.
These priorities must be our nation’s priorities if we are to have any hope of getting our fiscal house in order. Our country has the strongest, most dynamic economy in the world, and we know how to create opportunity and lift people out of poverty. We deserve a pro-growth, aspirational agenda, which is why I am supporting legislation to build an environment that creates jobs, makes permanent the pro-growth Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, invests in American energy production, supports local efforts on water shortages and wildfire risk, supports our military, and reforms burdensome regulations that impede American innovation and development.
I look forward to continuing my work on bringing Utah’s responsible solutions to Washington.
Rick Edwin Jones, Democrat
No response as of 2 p.m. Oct. 15
2nd Congressional District
Chris Stewart, incumbent, Republican
No response as of 2 p.m. Oct. 15
Nick Mitchell, Democrat
I am excited at the prospect of being your representative. I want to represent every single Utahn and their values. Being a scientist, inventor, entrepreneur, small business owner and former football player, I believe that the best way to address a problem is head on with facts and data.
I believe solutions don’t have a party. The best solution is the best solution, regardless of who proposes it. I was raised to always do the right thing no matter what, and if I make a mistake, I own it and work to rectify any problem.
At my core, I truly want to help people. I want to get America back on the right track through truth and transparency. I think Washington has lost its way and needs help from someone who truly understands what the everyday American is going through. I will fight for everyone’s civil liberties.
3rd Congressional District
John Curtis, incumbent, Republican
No response as of 2 p.m. Oct. 15
Glenn Wright, Democrat
Why Should Utahns vote for me in November?
I believe in getting into the weeds to solve challenges.
I have a proven track record of working with opposing political parties to make swift decisions that benefit the community. During my six years on the Summit County Council, I have been active in the Utah Association of Counties and Mountainlands Association of Governments. This experience has given me a wide-ranging knowledge of Utah’s rural and public land issues.
We need to bolster our local economy by focusing on environmental issues, such as saving the Great Salt Lake, a heritage of Utah. I am a member of the Environment, Energy, and Land Use Committee of the National Association of Counties and a board member of the Community Renewable Energy Agency. We are bringing 100% renewable electrical energy to 18 Utah communities. My opponent has talked the talk, but I have walked the walk on environmental issues.
I have personally experienced the economic challenges Utahns face. Solving these challenges come at a cost, and we must prepare to spend where we need and reign in costs when we must. The way I run my campaign indicates this, as I have no paid staff, community office, or debt. I will do the the same in Congress – through a fiscally conservative lens.
I will also vote to protect women’s health, veterans, and senior citizens. Incumbent Rep. John Curtis voted against:
Controlling pharmaceutical and out-of-pocket Medicare costs for seniors
The contraconception bill, a bill that affects all Utah families.
The PACT ACT, a bill providing protections for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans from illness caused by combat zone burn pits.
His action shows a lack of concern for the health and financial well-being of the community. I will protect my fellow community members, not leave them to their resources.
Utahns need someone in office capable of making tough decisions and sticking to their word. As a combat veteran, I’ve seen the consequences of failure to act. Our state has many challenges to navigate, but I am optimistic that Utah will be better and stronger by working together and getting into the weeds.
4th Congressional District
Burgess Owens, incumbent, Republican
No response as of 2 p.m. Oct. 15
Darlene McDonald, Democrat
There are many reliable voters in the 4th Congressional District who participate in our democratic process. Many of them have never checked the box for a Democrat. That was the point when outside Republican-operatives carved out the new congressional maps and delivered them to the state legislature. The once competitive district was gerrymandered to mute diverse voices.
Squashing Democratic voters in the northern part of the district emboldened Rep. Burgess Owens. He went on to snub Democrats in the state Legislature during the legislative session, believing he’d suffer no consequences. He then skipped his primary debate and made excuses for skipping his general election debate, as well. Rep. Owens may believe he’s turning his back on Democrats. He’s wrong. He shut out all of his constituents.
Burgess Owens’ disregard for his constituents is widely known. He’s built a reputation for not returning constituents’ emails or phones. Several small businesses owners and organizations have reported being unsuccessful in scheduling meetings with him. Yet, he’s seen barnstorming the country building his national profile and appearing on cable news shows while doing nothing for this district.
We are at a critical time in Utah. We must have a representative who’s willing to work with state and congressional lawmakers to solve problems. That representative is me. I will do whatever is necessary to form relationships to save our Great Salt Lake, advocate for Utah’s mothers and families, improve our air quality, find energy solutions, and encourage entrepreneurship.
We are running out of time. The 4th Congressional District must have a representative who will show up, build relationships, be a role model for our children, and talk to people instead of talking about them.
I’m running for Congress because I have a proven record of showing up when I’m needed and listening. Representation matters, and I’m the representative Utah needs in Washington, D.C right now.
