From an early age, I learned the value of hard work and the power of community.
My parents, who immigrated from Samoa in the ‘70s, began their American dream at Brigham Young University Hawaii, where I was born. Eventually, we made our way to Utah, where they worked multiple jobs to support our family. Despite their busy lives, they always made time to bake. My siblings and I would take those treats to Southridge Park in Taylorsville, selling them to our community. Those weekends weren’t just about making money — they were about building connections, turning hard work into opportunity and creating a sense of belonging.
Those lessons in resilience, generosity and service are the foundation of who I am today. I’ve seen firsthand how coming together as a community strengthens us all. It’s why I love Taylorsville and West Valley so much — because here, we know that when we support one another, we all thrive.
These aren’t just places on a map; they are home. And it’s why I am running for the Utah House of Representatives.
My name is Verona Mauga, and I’m running for Utah House District 31 (Taylorsville and West Valley). District 31 is my home. It’s where my husband Apollo and I started our family, raised our son and built our life together. My husband went to Eisenhower Junior High and Taylorsville High School. After we got married, we moved back to Taylorsville, eventually buying the home he grew up in. We go to church here, we serve here and our roots in this community run deep.
When I look at Taylorsville and West Valley, I see strong families, resilient workers and untapped potential. I see a community where people support one another, just as we did at the park all those years ago. My parents taught me that when people come together, great things happen. That belief has driven me my entire life — whether it was rallying our community to send aid after the 2009 tsunami that devastated Samoa, starting a nonprofit dedicated to helping families and women, or advocating for better policies at the local and state levels. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful we can be when we unite with purpose and passion.
In 2018, my family and I opened Sagato Bakery & Café in Midvale, a labor of love that honors my parents’ legacy and gives us the chance to share our culture with all Utahns. What started with us selling treats at the park has grown into a small business where we can give back in a new way — through food, service and community. Running a small business has taught me resilience, patience and the value of every customer who walks through the door. It’s also shown me how crucial community support is to success. No business, no person, no family can thrive without it.
As the co-owner of My Choice Utah, a business that provides supportive host home services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, I’ve gained an even deeper understanding of the challenges many families face — finding quality care, balancing work and life, and making sure their loved ones are safe and supported. This experience has strengthened my resolve to fight for policies that make life better for all families in our district.
As your candidate for the Utah House of Representatives, I want to share my vision for District 31 — a vision where every family has fair access to opportunity, affordable housing and a bright future. I know the struggles many of us face: rising rents, the fear of not being able to provide for our kids and the uncertainty of what the future holds. Like you, I want our children to be able to afford a home, find meaningful work and access the resources they need to succeed. These are not distant hopes — they are goals I’m determined to achieve for all of us.
I’m not running just to have a seat in the Legislature; I’m running to be your advocate. I won’t just be a voice for our concerns — I’ll be someone who listens. Every conversation I have, every issue I tackle, will be rooted in genuine care and a desire to serve. I’m in this to make sure that everyone in our district feels seen, heard and supported.
Together, we can create a district where every individual feels valued. Where families thrive, not just survive. Where our children can look to the future with hope and opportunity. I’m asking for your vote by Nov. 5 because I believe in this community, and I believe in all of us. Your vote is your voice, and it is critical to shaping the future of House District 31.
Let’s build a better future for Taylorsville, West Valley and all of Utah — together. Make your voice heard by Nov. 5.
(Verona Mauga) Verona Mauga is running for Utah House District 31.
Verona Mauga is running for Utah House District 31.
