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.

Republican incumbent Jim Dunnigan is seeking another term in the race to represent a portion of southwestern Salt Lake County, and faces a challenge from Democrat Blake Townsend.

Dunnigan has served House District 36 — which includes portions of Taylorsville and West Jordan — since 2023, but previously represented the area for 20 years when it fell under District 39. He also serves as speaker pro tempore.

Townsend is a Utah State University graduate who currently works for the Utah Public Employees Association.

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?

Dunnigan: People lose trust when government appears to serve insiders instead of citizens. I’ve tried to earn trust through action. I chaired the bipartisan House investigation into former Attorney General John Swallow, and sponsored reforms strengthening campaign-finance disclosure. I’ll keep insisting on transparency, accountability and equal treatment under the law.

Townsend: Over the last few years, we’ve watched and protested as the GOP supermajority has attacked public education, the judicial system and unions, while supporting data centers, tax breaks for the wealthiest, and ignoring environmental issues, all for quick profits. These approaches are exactly why I am running. It is why I won’t take any corporate money, and I don’t own an LLC — my only interest is helping working families succeed in Utah.

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?

Dunnigan: Affordability starts with government not making life more expensive. I’ve opposed increases in food, gas and property taxes. I’ll keep working to lower the tax burden, cut unnecessary regulations and fees, and expand housing supply. I sponsored Utah Housing Amendments to give communities more tools to create attainable housing while respecting local control.

Townsend: It seems the Legislature’s answer to rising costs is only tax breaks that primarily benefit those already making millions. I don’t believe responsible government simply means cutting taxes for the wealthiest. I believe in supporting programs that help those most affected by the affordability crisis and reducing working families’ tax burdens; this would include funding childcare, school lunches, strengthening unions, raising the minimum wage and eliminating the grocery and Social Security tax.

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?

Dunnigan: Utah can grow while using water more wisely. I support better measurement and transparency for major water users, efficient landscaping and irrigation, reuse and conservation. I co-sponsored data center water transparency legislation and supported efforts to reduce inefficient irrigation. We must protect the Great Salt Lake and plan Colorado River use around reliable, available supply.

Townsend: Securing water rights to consistently put more water back into the lake. Remove invasive species — phragmites are a major problem in the state, an invasive species that takes up more than double the water of our state’s native plants. Working with all partners — we must partner with local, state, federal agencies, and nonprofits to secure water for the lake. There are nonprofits who are currently working on tackling this issue and will work together on all possible solutions.

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

Dunnigan: Education. Utah’s teachers and students deserve strong schools and decisions made close to home. I support keeping education decisions with Utah families, teachers and local communities rather than federal bureaucracies. I’ll continue focusing on strong classrooms, responsible use of education dollars and opportunities that prepare students for the future.

Townsend: Growing labor and working families’ power in the economy. While our state has a strong economy and profits have flourished, very few individuals are seeing that trickle down to their own pockets and livelihoods. Success should not be at the expense of the individual. I will advocate for better safety protections, parental leave and other benefits that better take care of the individual workers who are significantly contributing to our state’s economic successes. Putting people first, not profit.

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.

Dunnigan: For.

Townsend: 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.

Dunnigan: Against.

Townsend: Against.

What’s your favorite book and why?

Dunnigan: “The Lord of the Rings” series. I’ve always appreciated its message that persistence, courage and ordinary people doing what is right can ultimately triumph over evil, even when the odds seem overwhelming.

Townsend: “Project Hail Mary.” I believe it’s a story of tackling adversity even when the problems seem insurmountable. It’s a reminder that we need and can build long-term solutions over quick quarterly profits.