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 Leah Hansen is seeking a full term to represent a northwestern slice of Utah County, and is being challenged by Democrat Brett Nielsen.

Hansen was appointed to House District 51 — which encompasses Saratoga Springs along with portions of Eagle Mountain and Lehi — in 2025, after former Utah House Majority Leader Jefferson Moss resigned to lead the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

Hansen is a stay-at-home mom who also runs a social media community page for her city with more than 17,000 members. Nielsen is an information technology professional who grew up in rural Idaho, according to his website.

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. Hansen did not respond to the questionnaire.

Election Day is Nov. 3. Mail ballots must be dropped off at a ballot drop box 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?

Hansen: Did not answer.

Nielsen: Utahns are tired of politics. Everything costs more, and we feel sold to the highest bidder. Politicians have forgotten what matters, which is why I decided to run for office. If elected, I will reduce corporate and data center tax breaks, rein in the Military Installation Development Authority’s unelected power, and stop funding cuts to public schools. All Utahns deserve the American Dream, including the elderly, poor, sick, hungry and people just trying to afford a home. I will continuously work toward building that dream for 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?

Hansen: Did not answer.

Nielsen: Young families and professionals want affordability, convenience and accessibility. I’ll allow higher-density housing done responsibly: walkable, built with the infrastructure to support it, and without public infrastructure districts that pass developers’ costs on to buyers. I’ll incentivize pre-K and before- and after-school programs so childcare doesn’t eat a parent’s paycheck. And while food prices and fuel are this high, I’ll pause the state’s share of the grocery and fuel 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?

Hansen: Did not answer.

Nielsen: Utah just had its lowest snowpack on record, and the governor declared a drought emergency. Our leaders have moved too slowly. New data center construction should stop until the drought ends and we know their impact. Growth should pay for growth. New water infrastructure should come from developer profits, not struggling families. Large nonprofits that use huge amounts of water should pay for what they use, which rewards conservation. We all want to stay in Utah, so let’s invest in it.

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

Hansen: Did not answer.

Nielsen: Public education. Utah spends the least per student in the nation and has some of the largest class sizes, and our teachers are burning out. I believe in efficient spending, but I also believe in investing in the people educating our future. I’ll fight to give our schools the staff, resources and facilities they need so every kid in our community has a real shot at their 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.

Hansen: Did not answer.

Nielsen: 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.

Hansen: Did not answer.

Nielsen: Against.

What’s your favorite book and why?

Hansen: Did not answer.

Nielsen: “The Count of Monte Cristo.” Edmond Dantès is betrayed by men who abuse their power, and he never gives up. I don’t admire his revenge, but I admire his perseverance. And the book ends on a lesson I live by: wait and hope.