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.

A Democratic challenger and first-time politician is taking on the longtime Republican incumbent to represent Senate District 23.

Tucker Smith, a public school teacher, was the only Democrat to put his name into contention to take on Republican Keith Grover, who has represented Utah County in the Senate since 2018.

District 23 spans several cities — from Pleasant Grove to Provo — on the northeastern shores of Utah Lake.

Grover, the Senate Rules Committee vice chair and a professional administrator, began his state legislative service in 2007, when he was elected to the Utah House.

The Salt Lake Tribune sent a survey to candidates across Utah. 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.

Reminder: Election Day is Nov. 3. Mail-in ballots must be dropped off in an official drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. If returned by mail, the ballot must be received by the county clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day — so mail back ballots as soon as possible.

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?

Keith Grover: People lose trust when politicians say one thing and do another, waste taxpayer money, or forget whom they work for. My approach is simple: Government works for the people.

It’s their money and their government. Utahns should expect me to tell them where I stand, protect their tax dollars, and be accountable for my decisions. Trust isn’t demanded. It’s earned.

Tucker Smith: Utahns see how their Legislature is holding on to power at their expense. They also see the wealthy hold power over our government, all while Utah makes most of its tax revenue through taxes that disproportionately hurt lower- and middle-income families. I will fight against the political elites by working to reinstate the independent redistricting commission and campaign finance limits, and I will fight against the economic elites through taxes on the wealthy elites, not working-class families.

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?

Grover: Utah families are getting squeezed — housing, groceries, gas, insurance, everything costs more. Government is NOT the answer, and it shouldn’t make the problem worse. I have consistently voted to reduce taxes and will continue to do so.

We need fewer unnecessary regulations and development of fossil fuels in our state. Utah families know how to spend their money better than government does. Keep government in check and more money in your pocket.

Smith: I will fight for universal childcare and pre-K, lifting the financial burden off of many of Utah’s families. I will also work to make housing less than 30% of a households’ income through maximizing our inventory of ownable homes and building nonmarket, affordable housing along public transportation corridors. Finally, we need to raise wages and salaries through strengthening unions and expanding access to unions throughout the state.

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?

Grover: Utah can grow and protect our water resources at the same time. Improve infrastructure, agricultural water optimization and voluntary, market-based solutions that put more water into the Great Salt Lake.

We must also defend Utah’s Colorado River rights and plan for future supply. Government mandates alone aren’t the answer. Smart planning, innovation and responsible water use will protect Utah’s water for generations.

Smith: Eighty percent of our water is used by agriculture, and much of that goes to water-intensive crops.

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

Grover: None.

Smith: I am a public educator, and I believe in public education. Our Legislature has diverted $120 million of taxpayer money toward private school and homeschool vouchers. Parents should have a choice, but taxpayers shouldn’t be on the hook for that choice, and public money should go to what is publicly accountable. As your state senator, I will fight for $1 billion more a year for public education because I believe that investing in public education is investing in our future.

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.

Grover: Declined to answer.

Smith: 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.

Grover: Declined to answer.

Smith: Against.

What’s your favorite book and why?

Keith Grover: “Don’t Believe Everything You Think,” by Joseph Nguyen. It addresses what most struggle with — overthinking.

The idea is powerful: Our circumstances don’t always create our suffering. It is the thinking and stories around them which cause the most pain.

Smith: “Drive,” by Daniel Pink, shows that humans in creative, thoughtful and uniquely human endeavors need autonomy over their work, a mastery goal and an understanding of a greater purpose. This book has shaped my educational approach and my worldview.