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 incumbent Norman “Norm” Thurston is seeking for a third term representing a House district that spans parts of Provo and Springville in Utah County.

Thurston, who previously represented House District 64 from 2015 to 2023, faces Democratic challenger David Chappell.

Thurston worked in state government, as a policy adviser to the Utah Department of Health, and now is executive director of the National Association of Health Data Organizations, his website says. Chappell is a civil engineer with a degree from Brigham Young University, 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.

Election Day is Nov. 3. Mail 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?

Chappell: They’re right. One of the biggest donors to our politicians is Reagan billboards, so it’s no wonder we prevent cities from regulating them. It’s time to ban corporate money in politics and let elected officials answer to grassroots support, not special interests. Voters should trust me because I have been a registered independent my whole adult life and don’t take any money from corporations; I will fight for everyday Utahns, not any ideology or corporation.

Thurston: Voters feel disconnected when decisions happen behind closed doors or under the influence of special interests. Trust in public institutions has eroded nationwide, and Utahns want absolute transparency. Utahns can trust me because I am committed to open government, strict campaign finance ethics, and accessible public service. I answer directly to the families of our community — not political insiders or lobbyists. My focus will always be transparent, principled leadership.

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?

Chappell: The cost of living is an extremely urgent crisis and we need to act accordingly. The Legislature should release rainy-day funds to help everyday people build more affordable housing. We should get rid of sales tax on essentials and provide free school meals. We need to raise the minimum wage and expand the Earned Income and Child Tax Credit. We need to do as much as we can to cut the cost of living and raise wages.

Thurston: To lower everyday costs, we must cut government waste, lower taxes and reduce burdensome regulations that drive up the cost of everything. I support policies that increase local housing supply by encouraging local governments to be more open about options. I’ll also fight to lower the tax on Social Security benefits and eliminate unnecessary state fees. By supporting job growth and fiscal discipline, we can keep more money directly in the pockets of Utah families.

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?

Chappell: We have to reduce our consumption of water and that means real action from the Legislature such as modernizing our water rights law, helping framers switch to water-wise crops, helping residents switch away from sprinklers and Kentucky bluegrass, and ultimately I believe we need to declare a state of emergency to save the Great Salt Lake.

Thurston: Water security requires smart, science-backed management. I support funding for agricultural water-optimization technologies, allowing farmers to maintain yields with less water. We must also advance municipal water efficiency and encourage water-wise habits during shortages. The Great Salt Lake needs more water. By balancing economic growth with practical conservation and innovation, we can protect Utah’s vital water resources for future generations.

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

Chappell: Renters and workers need better protections from abusive landlords and bosses. I believe we need to pass a bill of rights for renters and workers that will do things like: ban rental application fees; require extra pay for late call-ins or split shifts; formalize a process for tenant organizing; and require prevailing wages for state projects.

Thurston: Public education is the cornerstone of Utah’s future. I want to ensure every student receives a world-class education. We have already dramatically increased teacher pay and funding for local schools in a way that allows them flexibility to focus on local priorities. We must ensure our schools empower parents and teachers to work together. Investing directly in our children, educators and schools today builds the strong, skilled workforce and thriving local economy of tomorrow.

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.

Chappell: For.

Thurston: Declined to answer.

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.

Chappell: Against.

Thurston: Declined to answer.

What’s your favorite book and why?

Chappell: Recently I’ve been reading “The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader” by Melissa Murray. I’ve really enjoyed learning the historical context and modern application of each clause.

Thurston: “The Law” by Frédéric Bastiat. It clearly defines the essential role of government: protecting individual rights, liberty and property. It serves as a timeless warning against regulatory overreach and perversion of the legal system.