Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz (R-Hooper), who has served in the State House of Representatives since 2015, is looking to continue to represent District 12, which covers Hooper, Roy, West Haven and parts of northern Davis County.

Democrat Sharon Hilton of West Haven, a business owner who also worked as a special education teacher and mail carrier, is his opponent.

In recent years, Schultz has sponsored/co-sponsored bills in the state Legislature ranging from H.B. 60 (Conceal Carry Firearms Amendments) and H.B. 453 (Great Salt Lake Revisions) to S.B. 211 (Generational Water Infrastructure Amendments) and S.B. 185 (Children’s Health Coverage Amendments).

Schultz says that he aims to ensure that the government serves its people — and not the other way around — if reelected.

“We need to continue getting the power back to the hands of the people. That means amplifying your voice, but also keeping more money in your pockets rather than government coffers,” he told the Standard-Examiner.

He says that key issues in his district include the economy, public safety, education, energy and water.

“I’ve been proactive on all these issues, from cutting taxes to boost the economy and empower you to determine where your money goes, while at the same time raising teacher pay and educational resources,” Schultz said. “I’ve been made an honorary sheriff because of my work with law enforcement. I’ve taken an ‘all of the above’ approach to energy to give us the right balance of affordability and reliability and we’ve taken the steps needed to conserve the water we have in a desert state.”

Hilton could not be reached for comment on this story. Her campaign website cites responsible housing development, small business development, senior resources, infrastructure and the environment as issues she seeks to address if elected.

“Leadership is about serving the community and addressing its needs head-on. From advocating for students to standing up for the rights of all children, regardless of their abilities, my career has been defined by public service,” her state election profile reads.

“With a foundation in education, activism and managing a successful business for over 30 years, I understand the importance of accountability, collaboration and effective leadership. These experiences have given me the tools to lead with purpose and vision.”

Hilton shares Schultz’s concern about water and the future of the Great Salt Lake.

“The Great Salt Lake, a vital ecosystem and economic resource, faces threats such as water diversion and pollution,” she stated via her website. “I will advocate for measures to conserve water resources, promote sustainable land use, practices and mitigate the impact of climate change. By collaborating with stakeholders and implementing evidence-based policies, we can safeguard the Great Salt Lake and preserve it for future generations, while also fostering a healthier environment for all Utah.”

Hilton also referred to “preserving the cherished country feel” of her town/district “while responsibly addressing housing development” as a “top priority” on her website and called for “prioritizing and expanding on resources made available to our elderly.”

Meanwhile, Schultz, who referred to himself as a “problem solver and coalition builder,” says that his Utah roots have informed the person and legislator he has become.

“As a proud fifth-generation Utahn, lifelong resident of Hooper, Roy and West Haven, my roots and values run deep and I’m about as Utah as it gets,” he said.

“From a very young age, my parents instilled in me the values of integrity, honesty, hard work and dedication. By following their example I have become a business owner, rancher and job creator. I have a deep love and respect for the people of this district and my public service and charity work is how I give back to a community that has given my family so much.”

For more information on Speaker Schultz, go to https://voteforschultz.com/. For more information on Sharon Hilton, go to https://www.vote4sharonhilton.com/.