There will soon be a changing of the guard in Utah House District 9, which covers portions of central Ogden, northern Roy and West Haven.

Democrat Angela Choberka, Libertarian Jacob K. Johnson and Republican Jake Sawyer are vying for the district’s seat in the State House. Calvin Musselman, who has represented the district since 2019, is currently running unopposed in Utah Senate District 4.

All three candidates have identified the struggles associated with high housing and living costs as key issues facing people living within the district.

“My top priority will be lowering the cost of housing,” said Sawyer, the former chairperson of the Weber County GOP. “Housing affordability is one of the biggest challenges our families are facing today, and I’ve seen firsthand how these rising costs put strain on working families.”

Sawyer added that, if elected, he would work to expand access to 203(k) mortgage programs and other grant opportunities.

Choberka, a longtime member of the Ogden City Council with a background in education, seeks to ensure that “residents can afford to live in their current communities.” She also maintains that, as representative, she would focus on the issues that unite us.

“The shared aspiration for a better future for our children, more accessible economic opportunities, access to high-quality education and a cleaner environment,” Choberka told the Standard-Examiner of her priorities. “By addressing these critical areas, we can create a stronger community where every resident has the opportunity to thrive.”

Johnson, the Libertarian Party of Weber County chair, said that issues of housing affordability, cost of living, partisan politics and more notwithstanding, residents can “quickly solve the issue of not being listened to by their representative” by electing him.

“I will make myself available for conversations and actively seek input from residents as often as humanly possible,” Johnson said. “The success and health of my community is far more important than playing favorites with special interests of any kind.”

He further opined that collaboration is crucial to “informed decision-making.”

In that vein, Choberka called her ability to “bring people together and listen” her greatest attribute.

“While I am committed to standing up for what is right for our communities, I believe that true solutions can only be found by listening to others and understanding all sides of an issue,” she said. “I am dedicated to finding the root causes of challenges and working collaboratively to address them.”

Choberka added that she would regularly host town halls and create “opportunities for dialogue.”

Sawyer, who also touted his ability to listen and represent the voices of his district and not just his own opinions, joined Choberka in espousing the importance of bolstering education in the district, calling it a “critical” issue.

“Parents deserve choices, and we need to ensure alternative education options are available while supporting our public schools,” he said. “These issues aren’t just policy matters; they’re personal to the people of this district.”

Regarding his campaign, Johnson stressed that he doesn’t want the job and has no interest in being a politician. However, he believes this actually makes him a better candidate.

“Those who view civic duty as anything other than a debt of service needing to be paid to their community are the ones who are at the heart of the worst human rights abuses,” Johnson said. “Not every person in public service is bad, and public service does not inherently corrupt. A state is essential for law and order, and many well-meaning individuals work tirelessly within the state to create a better world. However, the opposite must also be acknowledged. … I feel it is my duty to serve my community. Not beg my community for a job.”

Said Choberka of her decision to run: “I am running for House District 9 to represent you — not a political party, big donors or special interests. My priority will always be the people of HD 9. I am committed to working for a better quality of life for everyone in our community. Building trust between constituents and their government representatives is essential, and I am running to restore that trust.”

Added Sawyer: “I’ve always kept an open-door policy, whether it’s in my career in real estate or in my service as party chair. I plan to continue that approach in the Legislature, making sure that every constituent feels heard and valued.”

For more information on Angela Choberka, go to https://angelachoberka.com/. For more information about Jake Sawyer, go to https://jakeforweber.com/. For Jacob K. Johnson’s “Rise to Liberty” podcast and info, go to https://risetoliberty.com/links/.

The General Election will be held on Nov. 5.