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Democrat Braxten Rutherford is challenging freshman Rep. Cal Roberts to represent Utah House District 46, which includes portions of Draper and Bluffdale.

Roberts, a former Draper City Council member, won the Republican primary in 2024, then ran unopposed to secure his legislative seat. During his time in office, he has served served as the chair of the Government Operations Committee and the co-chair of the Utah Commission on Housing Affordability.

Rutherford is an elementary school teacher at the Waterford School. Last year, he unsuccessfully challenged Troy Walker to be Draper’s mayor.

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 both of the candidates. 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.

Remember: Election Day is Nov. 3. Mail ballots must be dropped in a drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day or — if returned by mail — in the clerk’s possession by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

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?

Roberts: I believe Utahns lose trust when government feels like it is picking winners: corporate welfare, lopsided data center incentives, and public entities without enough accountability. I’ve worked on reforms around tax incentives and independent land authorities like MIDA and UIPA, as well as PIDs. I support economic growth, but taxpayers should not carry the downside while special interests get all the upside. We need a balanced approach to economic growth that puts the Utah taxpayer first.

Rutherford: The blatant, cartoonish corruption being employed by Donald Trump is not unique to his D.C. swamp. Utah’s Republican Party leadership is desperate for voters to be partisan (not rational) this November. They expect you to vote for my opponent because of the R next to his name. Voters should trust me because I will not make excuses for inaction. I will serve my friends and neighbors with nonpartisan common sense, decency and integrity.

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?

Roberts: Affordability is largely a supply problem. We need more energy production, more starter homes, more fuel supply, and infrastructure that supports our growth. I’ve worked on oil and gas policy to get Utah industry to commit to new fuel supply — to bring down prices at the pump for Utahns. I’ve also focused on infrastructure investment that unlocks starter homes while respecting local control of cities and towns.

Rutherford: As someone on a teacher’s salary who currently rents with family due to the cost of living, I understand affordability better than most candidates. How can I improve this crisis? Simple: prioritize the wants and needs of my constituents (people) over the wants and needs of corporations. In spite of what our current leadership would like you to believe, the only thing that really trickles down is greed. Price-gougers and predatory lenders beware.

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?

Roberts: Utah needs to grow with a sustainable water plan. We need to build the next generation of water infrastructure. We can support growth and protect the Great Salt Lake and Colorado River, but we need to make strategic investments today.

Rutherford: Even as a purely selfish measure, preserving and protecting our natural water sources is both cost-effective and common sense. I don’t see this as a partisan issue. I want to protect Utah’s natural beauty, and the health and well-being of its residents. Any candidate who disagrees is either ignorant to the geological facts or funded by one or more outside development groups.

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

Roberts: We must align homelessness funding with outcomes and not just systems. We need a compassionate approach that prioritizes measurable results and helps homeless Utahns rise up the ladder of economic mobility.

Rutherford: As an elementary teacher, my first instinct is to talk about education, and my desire to see real (overdue) investment from Utah legislators. I know education is rarely a voter’s No. 1 issue, but our children cannot vote. As a teacher at one of Utah’s top private schools, I often ask myself what our nation would look like if all of its children were prioritized the way mine are. What future are we denying our publicly educated children for the sake of a corporate tax break?

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.

Roberts: For.

Rutherford: Against.

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.

Roberts: For.

Rutherford: Against.

What’s your favorite book and why?

Roberts: “Frog and Toad” by Arnold Lobel, because right now my favorite books are the ones I get to read with my three little kids.

Rutherford: “Harry Potter”! I have been a fan since the very beginning, and continue to reread the series often! As a child and teen, Harry helped me form my own concepts of bravery, friendship, justice and love.