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.

Sen. Karen Kwan has served in the Utah Legislature for nearly a decade, but this November marks her first regular election for the upper chamber post she currently holds.

First elected to the state House of Representatives in 2016, Democratic delegates picked Kwan to replace the late Sen. Karen Mayne in a 2023 special election after the latter stepped down amid deteriorating health.

As Kwan — a professor emeritus in psychology — asks Senate District 12 voters to send her back to the Capitol, she faces a Republican challenger: Deidre Tyler, a retired social worker and sociology professor.

Election Day is Nov. 3.

If returned through the postal service, mail ballots must be sent early enough to arrive at the county clerk’s office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Otherwise, they can be left at a drop box until polls close at 8 p.m.

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.

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?

Kwan: Voters lose trust when valid concerns and vocal opposition to projects are dismissed as needless or blamed on foreign interference. I support ethics investigations into financial conflicts and other misconduct by any elected official, transparency in decision-making at every level of government, and timely notice so residents can participate in hearings and reviews. Utahns can trust me to take their concerns seriously and hold elected officials accountable, regardless of party.

Tyler: More political officials in Utah have faced legal trials and corruption charges. This has eroded public trust. People feel overwhelmed when they elect someone, only to find out that person is committing criminal activity while in a leadership position. Utah voters can trust me because I have a track record of working as a social worker for five years and a college instructor for 31 years. The jobs I’ve held have helped me understand the importance of serving other people.

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?

Kwan: Utahns need practical relief from the rising costs of everyday life. I support more housing options families can afford, help with childcare costs and reliable public transit that reduces spending on gas. I would also work to lower prescription drug costs and protect access to affordable healthcare. Families should be able to cover the basics without having to choose between paying rent, buying groceries or getting the care they need.

Tyler: State leaders need to tackle housing affordability in Utah by pursuing reforms that reduce the tax burden on homeowners. They should also encourage cities to allow smaller lots for building. We have got to be very creative in providing affordable housing.

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?

Kwan: Utah’s growth must reflect the water we actually have. I support tying development to reliable water supplies, expanding water-wise landscaping and helping farmers conserve water while protecting their livelihoods. We must ensure saved water reaches the Great Salt Lake and work with other Colorado River states on fair, sustainable agreements. Decisions should follow sound science and protect affordable, reliable water for future generations.

Tyler: I support programs that lease water to help preserve the Great Salt Lake and the Colorado River.

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

Kwan: This cycle, I’ve heard more about immigration than any other issue from constituents in my district. As someone from a family of immigrants, this is personal to me. We all want fair immigration policies that keep us safe without targeting law-abiding residents. I support practical reform that respects due process, keeps families together and focuses enforcement on people who threaten public safety. We can protect our communities while treating our neighbors with dignity.

Tyler: If Utah doesn’t address housing issues, many young people will be forced to leave, meaning children won’t get to know their grandparents. Utah needs more focus on families’ needs. As a certified social worker, I will consider families in my votes. Domestic violence and child abuse are increasing in Utah. I support a purple law indicating if a person has two or more domestic violence offenses with a mark on their driver license. This way, dating Utahns can ask to check an ID. One way to address rising child abuse is for detectives to train social workers on signs to look for when interviewing families.

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.

Kwan: Against.

Tyler: 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.

Kwan: Against.

Tyler: For.

What’s your favorite book and why?

Kwan: “Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee spans four generations, reminding me of my own family’s struggles: my mother’s ancestors who helped build the transcontinental railroad, and my immigrant father, who worked to give his children opportunities he never had.

Tyler: “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. My father recommended this book when I was in college, but its principles are timeless. For example, the book suggests we criticize less. If elected, I will focus on the issues. My only question would be: Will this hurt or help families? The book also suggests we be good listeners. When constituents reach out, I will take notes because they wouldn’t contact me if their issues weren’t important.