Fighting for Our Values, Our Families, and Our Future

Utah State Bill 54 or SB 54 introduced a process for candidates to bypass the traditional caucus system by gathering signatures to appear on the primary ballot without having to get the support from our democratically elected representatives which puts in jeopardy our caucus system and representational democracy. The bill undermines our political process and the caucus system, which is designed to ensure local, grassroots participation in vetting and selecting candidates to make sure that the republicans put forward for the primary and general ballot will uphold strong, traditional republican tenants.

By allowing candidates to bypass the caucus and appeal directly to wealthy donors or special interest groups for signature gathering, the bill diminishes the power of ordinary voters in local precincts, shifting political influence toward more affluent or organized factions. This not only weakens the democratic principle of equal representation but also exacerbates the influence of money in politics, further distancing candidates from the electorate they are meant to represent. Ultimately, while proponents claim it increases access to the ballot, it risks undermining the foundational values of political participation and accountability that are essential to a functioning democracy. I will advocate to replace or repeal SB 54 and return the power to our caucus system. 

Illegal immigration imposes a significant financial burden on Utah, costing taxpayers an estimated $931 million annually—over $900 per household. This strains public resources like education, healthcare, and law enforcement while undermining the rule of law. While I respect the dignity of all individuals, we must secure our borders, hold the federal government accountable, and protect Utah taxpayers. More importantly, we must safeguard America’s identity and values—grounded in faith, freedom, and opportunity—ensuring that our traditions and principles remain strong for future generations. A fair and legal immigration system is essential to preserving the safety, prosperity, and character of our state and nation. I will work at the state level to ensure that there is funding to carry out the deportation directives led by the Trump Administration.

Parents possess inherent, God-given rights to make decisions about their children because parents are the primary stewards of their children’s well-being. This natural right stems from the understanding that parents, not the state or external entities, have the closest and most intimate knowledge of their children's needs, values, and unique circumstances. These parental rights are foundational to the family unit, which is the cornerstone of society. Throughout history, parents have been entrusted with the responsibility to nurture their children's physical, emotional, and moral development, guided by their faith, beliefs, and best judgment. Education, religious guidance, and healthcare choices are deeply personal and often reflect deeply held convictions about life and purpose, and thus should not be dictated by government or other third parties. Protecting parents' rights to make these decisions ensures the preservation of personal freedom, the sanctity of the family, and the ability to raise children according to one’s values and beliefs, fostering a society that respects individual autonomy and the diversity of thought and practice.

We have all felt the inflation driven by excessive government spending completely void of fiscal responsibility. My professional experience as a Tax Accountant taught me that public funds are not to be taken lightly. Tax dollars are to be protected and used wisely and efficiently and should be spent responsibly, with a focus on meaningful, long-term benefits for our state—not wasteful spending or perpetual tax hikes and special interests. Leaders have a duty to plan for the future and ensure fiscal responsibility in both good times and bad.

Ranchers in rural communities like District 4 have long relied on the flood-irrigation ditches their ancestors built in the 1850s to grow the feed needed for their cattle. These systems are crucial for sustaining local agriculture, but increasing environmental regulations on water conservation threaten their ability to maintain these operations. If ranchers are denied access to the water they need, they won’t be able to grow the forage for their cattle, forcing them to downsize or even close their businesses. This not only impacts ranchers’ livelihoods but also jeopardizes the food security of entire communities.

The consequences of stricter water regulations extend beyond the ranching industry. Local food production, including healthy, locally-sourced beef, would decline, leading to greater reliance on mass-produced, industrially farmed meat that is often shipped long distances. This not only reduces the quality of food but increases its carbon footprint, counteracting the environmental goals these regulations aim to achieve. Supporting local ranchers is essential for ensuring that we can access fresh, nutritious food while minimizing our environmental impact.

To preserve both the environment and the livelihood of ranchers, it’s critical to maintain local control over water resources. By allowing ranchers to continue managing their water use, we can ensure a sustainable balance between conservation and agriculture. Our ranchers sustain us by providing healthy food and upholding a legacy of self-reliance. If we push them out, we risk losing both our ability to feed ourselves and our connection to the land. Supporting ranchers is not just about protecting an industry; it’s about preserving the health and sustainability of our communities.

I firmly believe that schools should focus on what they are meant to do—educate, not indoctrinate. Our children deserve an education that equips them with critical thinking skills, knowledge, and the tools to succeed in a rapidly changing world. It is vital that schools provide a balanced, fact-based curriculum that fosters intellectual curiosity, respects diverse viewpoints, and encourages open debate. The role of educators is to guide students in understanding the world around them, not to impose a particular ideology or political perspective. Parents, not the state, should have the primary say in the values and beliefs they wish to impart to their children. Let’s stick to a Classical Liberal Arts education: Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric, Arithmetic, History and the Arts. Our schools must be places of learning, not arenas for political agendas, and we must ensure that every child is taught to think for themselves, respect differing opinions, and approach challenges with an open mind. The future of our country depends on it.

As a former high school and college athlete, and a mother to three amazing, athletic daughters, I’m not afraid to take a strong stand to protect women’s sports and spaces. Biological boys do not belong in girls’ sports—this is about fairness and safety, not politics. Women deserve opportunities to compete on a level playing field, and I’ll fight to ensure those rights are upheld.

Criminal justice reform is urgently needed to address the troubling trend of judges releasing criminals too early or imposing excessively lenient sentences for serious offenses. Many criminals are being let out of prison before serving their full sentences, only to reoffend almost immediately, putting our communities at risk. When gang members, rapists, murderers, and child abusers are not held accountable with strict penalties, it sends a dangerous message that there are no real consequences for their actions. This weakens the deterrent effect of the law and erodes public trust in the justice system. Our streets cannot be safe if criminals are not afraid of facing the full weight of the law for their heinous crimes. To protect our families and restore safety, we must ensure that judges impose sentences that reflect the severity of the crimes committed and that those who pose a serious threat to society are kept off the streets for as long as necessary.