Braden Hess
About
Braden Hess is a Republican candidate who ran in the 2026 Utah Republican primary for State Senate District 7, challenging incumbent Stuart Adams and Stephanie Hollist. He previously worked as an attorney for the Utah Legislative Research and General Counsel office drafting bills and providing constitutional guidance, later starting his own law firm, Latitude Legal PLLC. A native of Davis County with deep family roots in the area, he holds degrees in economics and political science and has interned for U.S. Rep. Chris Stewart and former state representative Edward Redd.
Where they stand
Judiciary
Prioritize thorough vetting of judicial nominees with a focus on originalist constitutional interpretation; repeal Prop 4 and improve confirmation hearings.
Taxes
Support eliminating the state income tax in favor of sales and use taxes; reform system to avoid penalizing earning income or owning property.
MIDA and Data Centers
Oppose MIDA as unnecessary government expansion and repeal it; neutral on data centers but against government subsidies, tax incentives, or resource favoritism.
Pro-Life
Unapologetically pro-life, supporting policies that protect the unborn and strengthen families.
Education
Support expanding school choice and local decision-making free from federal overreach.
Government Reform
Minimize government interference, cut wasteful spending, guard separation of powers and federalism.
Guns
Defend Second Amendment rights for law-abiding citizens.
Housing
Streamline zoning for low- to medium-density housing while preserving local character.
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