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.

Democrat Hoang Nguyen is seeking a second term representing an area spanning parts of eastern Salt Lake City, Yalecrest, portions of Sugar House, and eastward toward the mountains.

Nguyen faces two challengers: Republican Franklin D. Robinson and Cabot W. Nelson, with the Forward Party of Utah.

Nguyen, born in Vietnam, is managing partner of Sapa Investments and CEO of Dragonfly Wellness, according to her bio on the Utah House Democrats website. Robinson is a Navy veteran and retired emergency-room doctor, according to his website. Nelson grew up in West Valley City and lives in Sugar House, and has run for office under the old United Utah Party, his website says.

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.

Election Day is Nov. 3. Mail ballots must be dropped off at a ballot dropbox by 8 p.m. on Election Day or, if returned by mail, must be received by the county clerk 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?

Nelson: My singular issue is electoral reform. Given the extreme challenges our republic faces, nothing else ― no policy proposals, no ideological stances ― will matter without breaking the back of our nasty two-party system. I’m running with the Forward Party because I value the party’s priority for ranked-choice voting. As a reasonable person, I can compromise and consider other forms.

Nguyen: We elect representatives to listen, act transparently, and serve the best interests of their communities. Recent events, including concerns over the transparency of the data center approval process, have caused Utahns to question whether those standards are being met. I have consistently prioritized meeting with neighbors and constituents, listening to their concerns, and working together to find solutions that strengthen our communities.

Robinson: Corruption has occurred at the highest level, including those trusted to uphold the law. I believe that being honest and forthright will always lead to the best outcome. I pride myself on my commitment to doing what’s right. I can be trusted because I am not looking for fame, money or success. I have had a wonderful career and my life has been full. My desire is to serve my fellow Utahns with respect and hard work looking for best outcomes.

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?

Nelson: The state needs to mandate that all residential zoning must permit multifamily dwelling units. No more smug, wealthy cities banning poor people and apartments.

Nguyen: We know Utahns are hurting right now. We all feel the pain at the grocery store, at the gas station and when we are trying to pay our bills. This is why we, as the House Democratic Caucus, have set affordability as our highest priority going into the 2027 general legislative session. We are going to push the Republican majority on issues like housing cost, healthcare cost, transportation cost, childcare cost. Anything to help ease the cost of living for Utahns.

Robinson: Those local and global events out of our control affecting affordability should be addressed with optimism and the energy to find ways to deal with those issues. One must realize that life isn’t always perfect and with hope, hard work and determination things can always get better. Affordability at the government level can be improved by decreasing regulations and taxes. A free and open market helps maintain affordability.

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?

Nelson: For our environment, I am opposed to the disastrous lifeline the Legislature threw to the utilities to keep these running, placing the burden on us taxpayers. To conserve water, let water-rights owners keep their rights even if they don’t use the water, but tax them for the exclusive right to a natural resource.

Nguyen: We have relied on the “carrot” approach to water conservation for many years. After meeting with constituents and organizations working to address Utah’s water challenges, I believe it is time to pair incentives with stronger accountability. We should increase water rates for excessive outdoor use, expand xeriscaping and water-wise landscaping policies, and establish meaningful fines for wasteful water use. Everything we do in the state will help the Great Salt Lake and Colorado River.

Robinson: Water is essential for survival and growth. We need parks, trees and grass to complete the process of natural photosynthesis. Conservation, preparedness and being united can help us get through difficult times. Being proactive while looking at short- and long-term consequences is essential for optimal growth while maintaining preservation of water resources.

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

Nelson: Do not dismiss the idea of a universal basic income. It’s the best hope for our republic. We needed to have this in place generations ago, but now it’s especially important as artificial intelligence stands to concentrate and centralize even more wealth, capital and power.

Nguyen: It is important to maintain a healthy, well-funded public education system in Utah. In the Salt Lake City School District, we have already experienced multiple rounds of school closures, with more possible due to declining enrollment. We need creative plans for these properties that provide community benefits while generating revenue for schools — and, ultimately, we need to make Salt Lake City a place where families can afford to stay and raise their children.

Robinson: Safety, cleanliness and affordability are my biggest concerns for our beautiful state, Utah.

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.

Nelson: For.

Nguyen: For.

Robinson: For.

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.

Nelson: Against.

Nguyen: For.

Robinson: For.

What’s your favorite book and why?

Nelson: “The Geography of Nowhere” by James H. Kunstler. It’s an aged polemic about America and its urban forms, but it was very formative and influential to me 30 years ago.

Nguyen: I recently enjoyed reading “Never Split the Difference” by Chris Voss. I enjoyed its real-world stories and lessons on listening, communication and negotiation. It reinforced how important it is to truly understand others to reach successful outcomes.

Robinson: I really don’t have a favorite book, but love books about adventures, knowledge, humor and all the other reasons we turn to books to fulfill our intellectual growth and well-being.