After serving in the Utah State Legislature for a decade, I’ve come to appreciate that some of the most meaningful work in public service isn’t flashy. It’s foundational.
When we passed Senate Joint Resolution 7, which reaffirmed the states’ authority over their own electoral processes and states’ rights in general, we weren’t just making a symbolic statement; we were laying a cornerstone for the next generation of governance in this country. SJR 7 affirms a core truth: that states have both the constitutional authority and the moral responsibility to govern themselves in a way that reflects the will of their people. This isn’t a partisan talking point; it’s the ideal of federalism, and it’s the backbone of self-government.
This idea isn’t new, but in today’s climate, it feels newly urgent. As federal influence stretches further into areas traditionally reserved for the states, from education to energy to election law, Utah is pushing back with principle. And we’re not alone. A national movement is building around the belief that America works best when states are empowered to lead. Through our work on SJR 7 and various other pieces of legislation, we’re helping to shape a national conversation about restoring balance and accountability to our republic.
Looking at the milestones that Utah has made, I’m proud of how far we’ve come. During my time in the Legislature, Utah hasn’t just talked about federalism; we have acted on it. We passed legislation that protects our energy future, strengthens parental rights, modernizes education and, yes, reclaims state leadership on other critical matters. These efforts focused on prioritizing families and communities.
Utah is proving what’s possible when leaders focus on principles, not partisanship, and when we lean into innovation without abandoning the values that built this state.
SJR 7 is just one chapter in that story. But it’s an important one. It sends a clear message to Washington: We are not passive participants in the democratic process. We are partners. And we expect our voice to be heard.
There’s still work to be done. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in public service, it’s that the most powerful movements don’t start in the halls of Congress, but at the state capitol. And from what I’ve seen, Utah’s just getting started.