Two Republicans are competing in Utah’s House District 41 primary this month with hopes to advance to November’s general midterm election.

The district encompasses Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, along with portions of Cottonwood Heights, Holladay, Midvale and Murray. Incumbent Rep. John Arthur, a Democrat, was elected to represent the area in 2024, and he will seek to fend off either Eryn Russo or Darren Croft this fall.

Russo is a doctor who serves as chief of occupational and preventive medicine in the U.S. Air Force, while Croft previously worked as a chief information officer for the American Research Bureau, a probate and genealogical firm.

The Salt Lake Tribune posed the following questions, based on a reader survey about the issues Utahns felt were most important this election season, to each of the candidates. Their answers — listed in alphabetical order — may have been edited slightly for length, style or grammar.

Croft did not respond to multiple requests to fill out the survey.

A plurality of voters, more than 30%, said elected official corruption is the primary issue driving who they’ll vote for, with another nearly 14% of voters saying it is their second-highest issue. Why are so many Utah voters concerned about corruption in politics? How will you build trust with Utahns?

Croft: Did not answer.

Russo: I am not a career politician. I share the frustration of feeling like politics has become too distant from the people it is supposed to serve. I’ll build trust by being transparent, showing up, listening and making decisions based on what is best for families in my district — not insiders or special interests. I am here to represent the people in my neighborhood.

After corruption, more than 16% of Utah voters said everyday affordability — like the cost of housing, groceries, gas, etc — is the first thing on their minds as they vote this year. Another 15% said it is their second-highest issue. What will you do to help make life more affordable for Utahns?

Croft: Did not answer.

Russo: My family feels these costs too, and I know Utahns are stretched by housing, groceries, gas and everyday bills. I’ll fight to lower costs by cutting waste, reducing unnecessary regulation and making it easier for families and small businesses to get ahead.

Utah has experienced drought for much of the last two decades. The availability of water is the third-most-pressing issue for voters this year. What can elected officials do to ensure Utahns have enough water for the future?

Croft: Did not answer.

Russo: I care deeply about Utah’s future, and that means being serious about water. I have children whose futures depend on our decisions now. We need conservation, better infrastructure and practical planning that protects families, farmers and the next generation without knee-jerk mandates or heavy-handed government.

Should the state continue to pursue nuclear energy? What can be done to address Utah’s growing energy needs?

Croft: Did not answer.

Russo: Yes. Utah needs reliable, affordable energy, and we should be open to safe, responsible solutions that help meet future demand.

In 2018, voters narrowly passed the Better Boundaries initiative, creating an independent redistricting commission and prohibiting partisan gerrymandering. The Legislature’s attempts to significantly weaken the Better Boundaries initiative spawned years of litigation, culminating in a court adopting new congressional boundaries. Who should be responsible for drawing Utah’s political boundaries? Why?

Croft: Did not answer.

Russo: The Legislature should draw maps, with transparency and accountability, especially to the public. Voters deserve a process they can trust, and I think we need to respect both the law and the will of the people.

Is there an imbalance of power between the Legislature and the courts? If so, what should be done about it?

Croft: Did not answer.

Russo: Yes — the branches need to stay in their lanes. The Legislature should make policy, and the courts should interpret the law fairly, not rewrite it.

What do you believe is the most pressing issue before voters this year? What can be done to address it?

Croft: Did not answer.

Russo: For me, the most pressing issue is affordability, because Utah families are working hard and still falling behind. We need to lower costs; cut budgets with a scalpel, not a machete; reduce waste; and keep the government focused on the basics so people can build a good life here.