Representatives Sahara Hayes and Sarah Dawn Montes are running for the HD-32 seat in Utah

Utah House District 32 incumbent Sahara Hayes, a Democrat from Salt Lake City, is running for re-election against Republican Sarah Dawn Montes.

Hayes, who has served through two general and special legislative sessions since his first election in 2022, responded to questions from the Salt Lake Tribune. Montes didn’t.

The Salt Lake Tribune submitted the same questions to each candidate based on the top issues readers said they were watching in this election. The questions and answers below – candidates listed in alphabetical order – may have been lightly edited for length, style or grammar. The questions were sent to candidates before a judge in Utah invalidated several amendments from the ballot.

Utah’s largest electric utility has canceled plans to replace its coal-fired power plants with nuclear plants and walked back comments on investments in clean energy. Should Utah look to more sustainable energy sources that are less dependent on fossil fuels and carbon? If yes, how?

Sahara Hayes: Absolutely. We must focus on renewable energy options that ensure Utah continues to have electricity while conserving environmental resources.

Sarah Dawn Montes: Didn’t answer.

Water shortages continue to be a challenge for the state. Recent legislation has sought to conserve water and release more water into the Great Salt Lake and Colorado River. Should Utah do more to subsidize homeowners’ water conservation efforts? What further steps should be taken to address water scarcity?

Hayes: The majority of water use in residential areas comes from lawn irrigation; I would like to see an awareness campaign on the options available to homeowners for converting their landscaping to water-based options, among other things.

Montes: Didn’t answer.

What policy changes would you support to address Utah’s affordable housing crisis?

Hayes: We need an increase in the availability and affordability of housing; I support intentional, high-density housing and subsidizing highly affordable housing units.

Montes: Didn’t answer.

Following the Utah Supreme Court’s recent decision to continue blocking a near-total abortion ban, abortion opponents and advocates called for additional legislative action to circumvent the court-ordered injunction. Would you support a ban on abortion after six weeks?

Hayes: NO.

Montes: Didn’t answer.

Would you support a state constitutional amendment to ban abortion?

Hayes: NO.

Montes: Didn’t answer.

Should there be other restrictions on reproductive health care – particularly fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization?

Hayes: No, absolutely not.

Montes: Didn’t answer.

Do you vote for or against the constitutional amendment that removes the requirement to use income taxes for education and social services? Why?

Hayes: I vote against Amendment A. Utah is firmly in last place in per-pupil spending and I oppose any efforts to cut funding for public education.

Montes: Didn’t answer.

A judge in Utah invalidated Amendment D, saying votes for or against it cannot be counted, but the state is appealing. Do you support amending the Utah Constitution to ensure the legislature can repeal or amend ballot initiatives?

Hayes: NO.

Montes: Didn’t answer.