Campaign photo / votedangardner.com
Daniel Gardner
About
Daniel Gardner, also referred to as Dan Gardner, is a Republican candidate who challenged incumbent Rep. Logan Monson in the June 23, 2026 Republican primary for Utah House of Representatives District 69. He is a high school social studies and civics teacher in Escalante, Utah, a Marine Corps veteran who deployed to Afghanistan, and a cattleman with family roots in agriculture and ranching in southern Utah, including Boulder. Gardner lost the primary to Monson and did not advance to the November 2026 general election.
Where they stand
Agriculture and Water Rights
Oppose unnecessary regulations on farmers and ranchers; defend private property and water rights; reject ESG mandates; protect grazing rights.
Crime and Public Safety
Support firm sentencing for violent offenders; oppose early release for violent felons; advocate judicial accountability; support strong penalties for crimes against children.
Constitutional Government
Use the Constitution as primary guide; oppose laws eroding free speech, due process, or religious liberty; resist executive and bureaucratic overreach.
Faith, Family, and Education
Defend sanctity of life and traditional family values; protect women's sports; oppose classroom indoctrination; support parental rights; restrict minors' access to pornography.
Immigration
Support state-federal law enforcement cooperation; oppose sanctuary policies; reject state tax dollars for benefits to those in the country illegally.
Second Amendment
Defend constitutional carry; protect hunting traditions; support school safety programs.
Taxes and Fiscal Responsibility
Support eliminating tax on food; remove taxes on Social Security benefits; tax relief for tips and overtime; reduce property and business tax burdens.
Veterans
Advocate state solutions to fill VA gaps; support mental health and suicide prevention; ease tax burdens on veterans.
Public Lands and Energy
Support responsible access and grazing rights on public lands; favor nuclear energy, more drilling, and reduced regulations; cautious on AI data centers due to water concerns.
Affordability
Eliminate food tax; end tax on Social Security; consider reducing or eliminating state income tax.
Redistricting and Courts
Support Legislature drawing maps per state Constitution; hold activist judges accountable; cautiously support legislative action to rein in courts if needed.
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