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House District 44 covers much of South Jordan in the southwestern part of Salt Lake County and, since 2020, has been represented by Rep. Jordan Teuscher, an attorney who chairs the House Rules Committee.

In the Legislature, Teuscher has sponsored legislation to limit public employee unions and has proposed creating a method for splitting the county.

Teuscher fended off a primary challenge in June and now faces Democrat Jess Birtcher, who spent more than two decades working in the mining industry, according to his campaign website.

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 each of the candidates. Their answers may have been edited slightly for length, style or grammar and are listed in alphabetical order based on the candidates’ last names.

Election Day is Nov. 3. 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?

Birtcher: Utahns are frustrated when decisions seem to benefit insiders rather than the people they serve. They want transparency, accountability and elected officials who listen. As a CPA, finance executive and South Jordan resident, I’ve built my career on integrity and responsible stewardship. I’ll bring that same commitment to the Legislature by listening first, being transparent and always putting constituents ahead of politics.

Teuscher: If you look at Washington, you’ll see wasteful spending and politicians who put special interests ahead of everyday families. Utahns are right to worry about that happening here. As your representative, I’ve fought to keep Utah from becoming Washington. I work for the people I represent, not those with the most money or political influence. I hold regular town halls, answer your calls directly and work to keep state government frugal, honest and accountable to you.

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?

Birtcher: I’ve heard consistently that housing, groceries and fuel costs are big concerns. We need practical solutions that increase opportunity and reduce costs. I support expanding housing supply, reducing unnecessary regulations that drive up prices, promoting responsible energy policies to help keep fuel affordable and ensuring government spends taxpayer dollars wisely. By focusing on affordability and accountability, we can help Utah families keep more of what they earn and build a stronger future.

Teuscher: To lower costs, government must get out of the way. On housing, that means cutting red tape that adds tens of thousands of dollars to the cost of a new home. On daily expenses, I’ll keep working to cut taxes, including income tax, property tax and the tax on food. For small businesses, we must continue to remove burdensome regulations so they can keep prices low. Keeping government lean and leaving more money in your wallet helps Utah families weather inflation.

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?

Birtcher: I support a balanced approach that protects our water future while allowing responsible growth. We need continued investment in water conservation, agricultural efficiency, reuse and infrastructure improvements. Preserving the Great Salt Lake is a critical priority for air quality, public health and our economy. We must also be responsible partners in managing Colorado River resources and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent on solutions that deliver measurable results.

Teuscher: We must do everything we can to protect the Great Salt Lake. That means investing in water optimization for our farmers, leasing conserved water to replenish the lake and securing new water sources. We must also aggressively defend Utah’s Colorado River allocation against downstream states and expand local storage. Future growth must reflect our water limitations, and new development must demonstrate an adequate water supply before construction begins.

Q4. What is another topic you care about and want to address if elected to public office?

Birtcher: Education is an issue I care deeply about. Every child deserves access to a high-quality education, regardless of their ZIP code. I support empowering parents, attracting and retaining great teachers and ensuring education funding is used effectively in the classroom. A strong education system prepares students for successful careers, strengthens our workforce and creates opportunities that help Utah families thrive for generations to come.

Teuscher: Reducing class sizes is a priority. Teachers raise this with me more than any other issue. Even excellent teachers struggle to give each child enough attention in a classroom of 30-plus students. I sponsored HB418 to begin a multiyear effort to reduce overcrowding. With enrollment projected to decline, now is the time to invest in smaller classes. I’m working with a coalition to develop a clear, state-funded plan that doesn’t hand local districts an unfunded mandate.

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.

Birtcher: Against

Teuscher: For

Q6. 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.

Birtcher: Against

Teuscher: For

Q7. What’s your favorite book and why?

Birtcher: I have several favorite books. But I love J.R.R. Tolkien and anything science fiction. I will go with Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451,” as it is a reminder of the dangers of totalitarianism and the need to protect independent thought.

Teuscher: “The Peacegiver,” by James Ferrell. It reminds me that peace starts with humility and checking my own heart first. It has shaped how I handle conflict, listen and see others as people rather than adversaries.