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.

Rep. Candice B. Pierucci is facing a challenger, Lillian Bowles, to maintain her seat representing Utah House District 49, which covers parts of Herriman and Riverton.

Since assuming office in 2023, Pierucci, a former Sutherland Institute staffer, has sponsored a number of bills, including the law passed last summer requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to vote in state elections.

In a survey response, Pierucci brought up her legislative efforts to track national security threats she believes are traced to the Chinese Communist Party. Bowles, a Democrat who describes herself on her website as a community leader and advocate, said the public education system requires more attention to reach necessary improvements.

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?

Bowles: People lose trust when they feel shut out of decisions, special interests have more access than constituents, or their voices don’t matter. I’ll be accessible, hold regular town halls, explain my votes and listen before I legislate. I also believe healthy government needs a genuine balance of perspectives. I’ll represent my whole district, including people who disagree with me.

Pierucci: It is deeply American to expect government to work for the people, not politicians, insiders or special interests. Transparency, honesty and accountability are fundamental to a free society. As your representative, I’ve fought to protect taxpayer dollars, increase lobbyist and elected-official disclosures, strengthen oversight of emergency contracts, and protect individual data privacy. I’ll continue working to ensure government answers to Utah 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?

Bowles: Affordability requires practical solutions. I want to address institutional investors competing with families for homes and explore proven models that put underused land and properties to work for affordable and transitional housing. On childcare, I support an immediate stopgap for families losing assistance while Utah develops sustainable solutions that expand supply, support providers and learn from successful programs in other states.

Pierucci: Utah families are feeling the squeeze. Inflation, rising home prices and gas costs are putting pressure on family budgets. As your legislator, I’ve consistently voted to cut taxes, restore and expand tax credits for families, reduce taxes on Social Security, protect seniors from rising property taxes, and passed legislation eliminating taxes on military retirement income. I’ll keep fighting to make Utah affordable.

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?

Bowles: Growth has to reflect the reality that Utah is a desert state. I support water-efficient development, better measurement and conservation, agricultural water optimization and incentives that help cities, residents and farmers use less. Most importantly, conserved water must actually reach the Great Salt Lake. We need long-term planning that protects both the lake and our Colorado River supply while allowing communities to grow responsibly.

Pierucci: Water is one of Utah’s most critical resources. As Utah grows, we must conserve what we have, invest in infrastructure and storage, and protect the Great Salt Lake. I have supported legislation strengthening Great Salt Lake funding, agricultural water leasing, conservation and Utah’s Colorado River Authority, along with millions in investments for water optimization, rights, wetlands, measurement and getting more water to the lake. I’ll continue supporting responsible growth and wise water stewardship.

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

Bowles: Public education changed what was possible in my life as a first-generation college graduate. I want Utah to recruit and retain excellent educators, strengthen special education and student support, and invest public dollars in accountable public schools. Educators should have a meaningful voice in the policies they implement. Strong public schools give every child, regardless of ZIP code or family income, an opportunity to succeed.

Pierucci: National security starts at home. Utah is home to Hill Air Force Base, Dugway [Proving Ground], Tooele Army Depot and a strong aerospace and defense industry. I have championed legislation to close CCP-funded Confucius Institutes, require foreign lobbyist registration, prohibit CCP-owned companies from purchasing Utah land — resulting in over 35,000 acres divested — and restrict state agencies from purchasing CCP-linked technology. I’ll continue protecting Utah’s families, land, businesses, data and critical infrastructure.

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.

Bowles: Did not respond.

Pierucci: 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.

Bowles: Against.

Pierucci: For.

What’s your favorite book and why?

Bowles: “Educated” by Tara Westover.

Pierucci: Like any history fan, I love a good historical fiction novel. Some of my favorites are: “Codes of Courage,” “The Spider & Sparrow” and “The Children of the Promise Series.” I also love “The Churchill Factor” and “The First Family: Abigail and John Adams.”