Julie Smith, a candidate for the House District 63 seat with the Forward Party, is focusing on her background in history and the importance of listening to the public, according to a report published October 29, 2026.
Smith stated that the Legislature should serve as the voice of the people to preserve democracy and expressed a desire to represent citizens over political ambitions or party interests.
As a teacher of U.S. History, Smith said she understands the importance of the principles established by the founders and the potential risks of losing democratic voices. She intends to promote civic virtue and encourage citizens to fulfill their responsibilities to speak up and act to preserve democracy.
Smith's priorities if elected include modeling listening to the public and educating citizens to practice civic virtue. She also aims to prevent the silencing of the public through processes such as gerrymandering, the enactment of Amendment B, court packing, or the pushing through of data centers.
Resource management and affordability are key components of Smith's platform. She noted that water has always been an issue in Utah and called for responsibility in preserving it and the state's natural beauty for future generations.
Additionally, Smith expressed a need for action to ensure housing remains affordable for families in Utah. She suggested the state has the funds to create an affordable housing program that benefits regular people rather than just builders.
Regarding political discourse, Smith emphasized that compromise is necessary to prevent political issues from becoming footballs tossed between two powerful parties. She argued that leaders must look at a person's background to understand their perspectives and work toward a third solution that serves everyone.
Smith proposed that ethical leaders should evaluate issues by asking questions regarding the intent of a proposal, the appropriate level of federalism, constitutional guidance, and the potential impact on different groups of people.
More information regarding Smith's platform can be found on her website at www.juliesmith4utah.com.
