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.

Democratic incumbent John Arthur is seeking another term in the race to represent a portion of Salt Lake County’s east side, and is being challenged by Republican Darren Croft.

Arthur has served House District 41 — which includes Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon, along with portions of Cottonwood Heights, Holladay, Midvale and Murray — since 2024, and he was also honored in 2021 as Utah’s Teacher of the Year.

Croft previously worked as a chief information officer for the American Research Bureau, a probate and genealogical firm.

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?

Arthur: I share voters’ concerns regarding government corruption. Utahns have watched lawmakers override voter-approved initiatives and advance major projects like data centers through fragmented approval processes that often limit meaningful public input. We must insist on transparency from our government institutions and public servants. As a legislator, I am accessible and eager to engage with my constituents, and I absolutely support increased transparency and accountability in the Legislature.

Croft: District 41 voters tell me state government too often benefits insiders rather than Utah families. As a retired engineer and business leader, I am running to solve complex problems, not start a political career. I take zero PAC money, answer directly to residents, and publish my personal contact info. Rather than political endorsements, my website features in-depth testimonials from colleagues and neighbors who have worked with me for decades and are personally vouching for my 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?

Arthur: This past legislative session, I introduced HB578 to protect renters by requiring a 60-day notice before their rent could be increased. Unfortunately, the bill did not pass, but it demonstrates my commitment to championing practical solutions to our state’s growing affordability crisis. I will continue to support responsible housing growth, stronger transit options and including affordable healthcare and childcare as part of this conversation.

Croft: Salt Lake City charges District 41 residents 35% extra for water. I will sponsor legislation to end this disparity. Utah’s $20,000 first-time homebuyer program is only for new construction. This limits options for young families and hurts mature communities. I will work to include existing homes. I will optimize government for Utah families, lowering the cost of living by bringing engineering discipline to state spending and eliminating red tape that inflates household expenses.

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?

Arthur: This year, I sponsored HB313, which passed the Legislature, and now requires ongoing water conservation and fire-wise training for certified landscape contractors. Water conservation has to be built into every housing and development decision we make, and I’ll keep fighting for policy solutions that send more water to the Great Salt Lake and support sustainable conservation and management of our limited water resources.

Croft: Saving the Great Salt Lake is our biggest state challenge. With agriculture using over 70% of our water, Utah committed nearly $300 million to agricultural optimization, yet the saved water is not making it to the lake. I will work to close that delivery gap by incentivizing farmers to enter split-season leases and file change applications, then shepherding flows using real-time sensors and automated control gates to guarantee delivery. See my full approach to the Great Salt Lake at my website.

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

Arthur: As a schoolteacher, I’ve spent my career making sure kids with disabilities have the resources they need to succeed and was recognized as the Council for Exceptional Children’s General Education Teacher of the Year for my work supporting students with disabilities. Increasing the state’s funding and supports for special education is a passion of mine, and I look forward to running bills to make it happen.

Croft: Educating children is perhaps our most important public responsibility. We invest over $9 billion a year in Utah K-12 education from federal, state and local sources, but much like water for the lake, money doesn’t always make it to the classroom to impact individual children. I will work closely with parents, teachers and local school boards to minimize bureaucracy and burdensome legislation, balance testing and learning, and focus resources in critical areas like literacy.

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.

Arthur: Against.

Croft: 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.

Arthur: Against.

Croft: Against.

What’s your favorite book and why?

Arthur: “Ender’s Game.” My 9th grade English teacher put it in my hands, and I’ve been a voracious reader ever since. I especially love its exploration of empathy and the dangers of perceiving others as enemies before truly understanding them.

Croft: I love Brandon Sanderson’s “The Stormlight Archive” series because of the incredible world-building, rigorous problem solving, deep character growth and powerful examples of duty, sacrifice and service.