Two candidates are running to become the Utah House District 69 Republican nominee in the June 25 primary.
Currently, Rep. Phil Lyman represents the district in southeastern Utah, but is running for governor in this year’s Republican primary election against incumbent Gov. Spencer Cox.
Former Grand County Commissioner Lynn Jackson will faces against Logan Monson, whose career experience includes working in healthcare administration. At April’s GOP nominating convention, Jackson was one vote shy of securing his spot on November’s 2024 general election ballot.
The winner of the Republican primary election will face Democrat Davina Smith this fall.
The Salt Lake Tribune asked every primary election candidate in every legislative race about issues readers said were important in the 2024 election. Jackson did not respond with answers while Monson did. These answers may have minor edits for clarity, grammar and length.
1. Utah’s largest electricity provider has canceled plans to replace its coal-fired power plants with nuclear power and has walked back comments about investing in clean energy.
Should Utah, while it actively supports housing and business development, also be looking for more sustainable and less fossil fuel and carbon-dependent energy?
Jackson: No response.
Monson: For many years, our district has prospered by relying on fossil fuels. Exploring all energy sources is imperative. With that said, it’s crucial to navigate this transition thoughtfully, safeguarding the economy and livelihoods of our southeastern Utah residents. It is my priority to ensure that our district doesn’t suffer but rather thrives amidst potential new opportunities.
2. Yes or no: Is climate change negatively impacting Utah?
Jackson: No response.
Monson: No
3. Water scarcity continues to be a challenge for the state. Recent legislation has attempted to conserve water and get more to the Great Salt Lake and Colorado River.
Should Utah do more to subsidize homeowners to conserve water? Should laws require large users to pay more for water? What other steps should state government take to deal with water scarcity?
Jackson: No response.
Monson: Utah should do more to subsidize homeowners to conserve water and offer this to all of the state, and not just the more populated areas. Additionally, the state government should explore innovative solutions such as water recycling and incentivizing xeriscaping to address water scarcity effectively. But first, the state should become a good example of this by not wasting water on state landscaping. By taking proactive measures now, we can mitigate the impacts of water scarcity and ensure the availability of this vital resource for all Utahns.
4. Yes or no: Do you support building the Lake Powell Pipeline?
Jackson: No response.
Monson: As a representative, I would need to be able to discuss this specifically with all stakeholders before giving a well-informed answer. Water is a valuable asset to all communities.
(Monson campaign) Logan Monson
5. Triggered after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, Utah’s current law bans nearly all abortions — except in instances of sexual crimes, when there is a fatal fetal abnormality or when the mother’s life is at risk. For now, that law is currently on hold in the courts and an 18-week ban is active in Utah.
More or fewer: Should Utah’s trigger law have more or fewer restrictions?
Jackson: No response.
Monson: Would not say more or fewer. I am pro-life and support the current law.
6. For or against: Are you voting for or against the constitutional amendment that removes the requirement that income taxes be used for education and social services?
Monson: Against. Voting against the constitutional amendment maintains the commitment to earmarking income taxes for education and social services, ensuring adequate funding for essential public services that benefit all Utah residents.
Correction, June 10 10:30 a.m. • This story has been corrected to reflect that no candidates have been endorsed by Phil Lyman.