Note to readers • Click here to find an interactive map where you can enter your address to see all the races on your ballot that have a voter guide from The Salt Lake Tribune.

The race to represent Utah’s House District 9 in Weber County is a rematch.

Democrat Angela Choberka, a former Ogden City Council member with a background in public education, is again running against Republican Jake Sawyer. This time, however, Sawyer is the incumbent — and, according to his campaign website, wants another term “to keep working for House District 9.”

Sawyer, the former Weber County GOP chairman, won the 2024 General Election race with more than 58% of the vote. District 9 encompasses parts of Ogden and West Haven.

Choberka said she wants to strengthen education and address affordability by abolishing the state food sales tax and luring in high-paying jobs. “Utah families deserve an economy where a paycheck can cover the basics,” she told The Salt Lake Tribune. Her campaign website adds she “refuses to be bound by ideological boundaries.”

Sawyer did not respond to The Tribune’s candidate survey. According to his campaign website, Sawyer said “it’s crucial to foster unity within our party” and said he’d draw from his near-decade of political experience to deliver results.

The Tribune sent the survey to candidates across the state to help Utahns inform their vote. Candidates submitted photos and answers through a questionnaire. Answers may have been edited for style and clarity. Candidate responses are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

Reminder: Election Day is Nov. 3. Mail-in ballots must be dropped off in an official drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. If returned by mail, the ballot must be received by the county clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day — so mail back ballots as soon as possible.

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?

Angela Choberka: Voters lose trust when government feels more responsive to special interests than to the people it serves. Utahns deserve transparency, accountability and leaders who listen. I’ve built my career around public service, collaboration and problem-solving. I will answer to constituents, strengthen conflict-of-interest standards and work to ensure government decisions are made openly and are always in the public’s interest.

Jake Sawyer: 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?

Angela Choberka: Utah families deserve an economy where a paycheck can cover the basics. I would work to remove the state sales tax on food, pursue smart, locally focused housing policies that make homeownership more affordable, fully fund SNAP and Medicaid, and support good-paying jobs close to home. Lowering everyday costs means using state policy to strengthen household budgets and keep more money in Utahns’ pockets.

Jake Sawyer: 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?

Angela Choberka: Utah’s growth has to match the water we actually have. First and foremost, we need to restore the Great Salt Lake, use research and science to guide water policy and require major development to account for its impact on limited water supplies. We should protect the Great Salt Lake and approach the Colorado River with the same principle: conserve responsibly, plan for long-term supply and make growth sustainable.

Jake Sawyer: Did not answer.

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

Angela Choberka: I care deeply about strengthening public education, because I started my career as a teacher. Every student deserves access to a high-quality education, and our teachers deserve the resources and trust to provide it. I would work to fully fund public schools, protect long-term education funding, reduce unnecessary micromanagement, and ensure our tax dollars stay invested in the neighborhood schools serving Utah families.

Jake Sawyer: 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.

Angela Choberka: Against.

Jake Sawyer: 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.

Angela Choberka: Against.

Jake Sawyer: Did not answer.

What’s your favorite book and why?

Angela Choberka: “Kin,” by Tayari Jones deeply impacted me. It’s a story of two people navigating the world differently yet connected through lifelong kinship. Family can be by blood or built.

Jake Sawyer: Did not answer.