2022 Convention candidates With a primary
These convention candidates moved on to the Primaries for one of the following reasons:
1. Their competitor gathered signatures
2. Neither candidate reached the 60% threshold.
NOTE: Only convention candidates are listed. If the candidate is going to the primary because they gathered signatures they will not be listed here.

Chris was raised in Provo. He grew up attending the Provo Freedom Festival. These experiences, as well as having his father serve in Vietnam, instilled a great love of our country and a determination to protect America and the U.S. Constitution.
At the age of sixteen, Chris was awarded a Presidential scholarship to BYU and studied in Vienna, Austria, for six months. There he saw the Iron Curtain and Berlin Wall for the first time. He graduated from BYU in 1990 with a double major in International Relations and Family Living. In 1992, he earned a Master’s Degree in Organizational Behavior from the Marriott School of Management.
After graduation, Chris accepted a teaching position at Kharkov State University in Ukraine. As Chris stepped off the plane, a young woman assigned by the University was holding a sign with Chris’s name on it. Chris married her four months later. Alia and Chris are now parents of five wonderful children, ages 12 to 25 and live in Provo.
Chris also taught in Kiev, Ukraine, for Utah Valley State College(UVU) joint business program. He worked in Moscow for a private company as well.
Chris is genuinely patriotic and passionate about this country, the U.S Constitution, and conservative principles and a proven track record. He was first elected as a Republican delegate at the age of 18. He served in the Utah House of Representatives from 2007-2012. Chris was the Utah State Director for the Ted Cruz campaign in 2016.
Chris co-founded the Patrick Henry Caucus which reignited the Western lands battle and Constitutional balance of power between Federal government and the States. Chris was “Legislator of the Year” for the Utah Charter Schools Association, and numerous other recognitions. He authored “The Forgotten Immigrant – How Tolerating Illegal Immigration Hurts Immigrants.”
Chris has won the reputation for being a proven conservative who isn’t afraid to buck the system.He had 100% Sutherland Institute rating and 83% Grassroots rating.

Mike learned his love for the Constitution around the family dinner table. Mike’s father, Rex Lee, served as Solicitor General under President Ronald Reagan and later as President of Brigham Young University. As a child, Mike attended his father’s arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court, giving him a unique understanding of the government from an early age. As an attorney he developed a more complete understanding of why the Constitution is essential to the protection of life, liberty, and property.
After graduating from law school in 1997, he served as a law clerk to Judge Dee Benson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah. He then clerked for Judge Samuel A. Alito, Jr., who was serving at that time on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit Court in Newark, New Jersey. After his second clerkship, he joined the Washington, D.C. office of Sidley & Austin, where he specialized in appellate and Supreme Court litigation. Several years later, Mike was invited to serve as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Salt Lake City, preparing briefs and arguing cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. He served as Governor Huntsman’s General Counsel and then went to Washington for a one-year clerkship with Justice Alito at the U.S. Supreme Court.
Following his clerkship, Mike joined the Salt Lake office of the Washington, D.C.-based law firm of Howrey LLP. Mike has earned a reputation as an outstanding lawyer based on his sound judgment, writing and courtroom advocacy skills, and thorough understanding of the Constitution.
Mike and Sharon have three children and live in Provo, Utah.

South Jordan has been our family’s home for over 20 years. It has been my privilege to take an active part in the community and serve on many committees and boards, working to fulfil a personal goal to contribute to my community and make the world a better place.
Priorities for Utah:
1. I support conservative budget policies that demonstrate fiscal restraint and limit burdensome regulations. As a Jordan School Board member, I helped reduce school construction costs by over 17%. In the legislature I sponsored legislation to reduce licensure barriers for individuals applying for jobs.
2. Local decision making. I support conservative solutions that respect the governance of cities, schools, and families. I passed legislation to reduce regulations and increase childcare capacity to help parents find care that fits their family’s needs.
3. Support high-quality education. I favor conservative policies that support our great teachers and provide options for families. I sponsored legislation reducing government bureaucracy and costs by reducing the number of reports schools and districts are required to fill out which will allow educators to concentrate on students and improved classroom results. Another bill expanded choices for students in concurrent enrollment.
4. I Collaborate with citizens to create better policy. I worked with residents to pass legislation that protects local property owners from eminent domain. I created policies to help eliminate vaping in schools and strengthen positive behaviors in students. I worked with South Jordan citizens to pass legislation to reduce sex trafficking and protect kids from pornography.
5. Supporting individual liberty is a priority while maintaining our quality of life. I worked with legislators and city leaders on conservative plans to meet our transportation, air quality and water needs.

Elections are about choices, and I believe it’s important to compare and contrast the records of those running for office so you can be as informed as possible in representing your precincts as a delegate. Here are a few key points:
-This County Council District has been represented by the same councilmember for 12 years, and now seeking 16 years.
-During the last 12 years, the county budget has doubled growing from $700 million to now $1.4 billion dollars during which time the county’s services have decreased.
-During the last 12 years, the Southwest portion of the county has seen less than 5% of eligible county sales tax dollars spent in our area, while we make up more than 30% of the population.
-During the last 12 years, we’ve seen the county make land use decisions that significantly impact our communities without adequate resident input.
-During the last 12 years, we’ve seen growth far outpace necessary infrastructure, leading to a diminished quality of life.
It’s time for a new voice for the Southwest. Here’s what I have done as a Riverton City Councilmember, and what I would commit to do as your County Councilmember:
1. I have saved taxpayers over $8 million with the formation of the Riverton Police Department and the Riverton Fire Service Area.
2. I have maintained low fees with Riverton being the lowest in the county for services.
I have attracted big business establishing reoccurring revenue sources vs. one time revenue sources that are dependent on residential development.
3. I have built transparent processes with Riverton’s budgeting and zoning processes.
4. I was the first councilmember to begin dialoging with residents through various social media platforms and listing my cell phone when in office. I further supported the creation of the communication department which as been recognized by our residents for the timely and efficient communication.
A vote for me is a VOTE for ACTION Not WORDS.
Most Recent Republican Party Affiliation Change 1992

Gary Sandberg

I am W. Gary Sandberg. I have lived in Salt Lake County my entire life. Following the untimely death of my first wife, with whom I shared an adopted daughter, I met and married Darcy Ellis. We were blessed with 4 sons, and 18 grandchildren. From the same home, I attended 3 elementary, 2 jr. high and 2 high schools, graduating from Olympus High. With annual boundary changes, I enjoyed making new friends each year. As an athlete, I played football for Coach Lavell Edwards at Granite High, who was also my wrestling coach and Drivers Ed. & health teacher.
In addition to 4 years of business management studies at the U of U, I served a church mission in Sweden. Thereafter, I served for 8 years in the Utah Nat’l Guard, achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant, however, due to my first wife’s passing at age 26 leaving an 8 month old child in my sole care, I reluctantly resigned my commission. I stayed involved in public service as an Honorary Colonel in the South SLC Police Dep’t and as a Decker Lake Juvenile Correctional Facility volunteer.
Utah’s Granite Mill and Fixture Co. was founded in 1907 by my Grandfather Frederick R. Sandberg. For 115 years, it has created fine woodwork locally and internationally. An employee since age 9, I worked beside my father, Wayne L. Sandberg, who was and is, my hero!! My tasks were menial at first, but I loved the smell of wood and learned from skilled craftsmen, who built and molded beautiful things from nature’s great gift of WOOD. The Granite Mill legacy passed to me from my father (who served as a Utah 4th District State Senator) and grandfather, and is carried on today by three of our sons. It has employed hundreds of workers over the years. From sweeping wood shavings and operating complex equipment to making multi-million dollar decisions, I have experienced all facets of business, including 6 years as the Nat’l Director of the Architectural Woodworking Institute and as a member of the U of U Fine Arts Advisory Board.
Most Recent Republican Party Affiliation Change 1968

Rich Cunningham

Rich and his wife, Tracy, have two children and three grandchildren; they have lived in South Jordan, Utah, for the last 16 years. Rich was raised in Southeastern Utah, where he spent his youth hunting, fishing and camping Statewide with his father and six brothers. Rich studied at the College of Eastern Utah, and continued his education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Utah.
Professionally, Rich is a financial service entrepreneur with 36 years of experience assisting families and businesses successfully reach their financial goals. He is an Investment Advisor Representative with Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. (TFA) and an Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) with World Financial Group (WFG).
Rich served four years in the Utah House of Representatives. While in the House he was recognized as Freshman Legislator of the year. He was recogized four times by the Utah Business Collation as Legislator of the Year and Legislator of the Year three times by the Jordan River Commission. He was also awarded Honorary Major by the Fraternal Order of Police and Honorary Trooper by the Utah Highway Patrol. While serving in the House he served as Chair of the Special Committee on Retirement Issues and Vice Chair of the Economic Development and Work Force Services Committee, along with the Education, Political Subdivisions, Revenue and Taxation and Transportation Committees. He also served on Executive Offices and Criminal Justice Appropriations Subcommittee. Vice Chairman of the Retirement and Independent Entities Committee.
Rich was appointed by House Leadership and served on a committee helping review the SILTA two billion dollar trust fund and the lands involved in the State of Utah. Rich sponsored the legislation that secured the SILTA trust funds and lands for generations to come.
Most Recent Republican Party Affiliation Change 1978

Steve Aste

1. When was the last time you read and STUDIED the Constitution?
I referred to the constitution within the past week. I am a State Delegate and I was researching a question regarding public lands, specifically BLM controlled land. The Bureau of Land Management currently controls 90% of all land contained within the 3rd Congressional District. I was looking at Article I Section 8 where it refers to the amount of State land that the Federal government is entitled to control. The Constitution states that no more than a 10 sq. mile section of land shall be controlled by the federal government in each state. Just one more example of Federal overreach. I have read the constitution in its entirety within the past 3 months approximately.
2. What does the Declaration of Independence contain?
The Declaration of Independence contains a great deal within only a few short pages. It is a document that was drafted by the Colonists to declare independence and sovereignty from the tyranny of King George of Great Britain. The King of England, among other things, deprived the colonists of trial by jury, taxation without representation, due legislative process, abolishing in many cases colonial laws, mock trials and several other injustices. What you do not see written within the document, but it is clearly there, are the sacrifices made by those that signed it, and others that fought and lost their lives for it. The liberty and freedoms that was ultimately achieved came at great, great cost to so many.
3. How do you feel about medical freedom, specifically masks and vaccine mandates that are unlawful?
The mandate to wear a mask and to get the vaccine are absolutely unlawful. I believe that the Covid-19 virus was willfully and purposefully released into the world population. The purposes as to why they did so may not yet be fully known, however, I believe that the people involved with its release and subsequent spread worldwide believe in the ideology of One World Order, socialism, more likely communism. I believe it to be one of the single most heinous crimes against humanity to ever be committed in history. I believe those involved want to reduce the world population, as Bill Gates, George Soros and others have been video recorded saying this on numerous occasions. There is much more I could say on this topic, and as each day passes, more and more evidence to this effect surfaces. I will move to the core of your question. Under no circumstance should the Government, State or Federal, have any say as to the health matters of the individual, that is why HIPA was made law. Our government both Federal and State, have overstepped their constitutional bounds with these mask mandates and vaccinations. The government has zero right to tell you to wear a mask, there are certainly instances where a mask would be appropriate such as a hospital setting or a nursing home, but this should be handled by the individual (private) institutions that run such facilities. The vaccines are by definition not even vaccines. They are nothing more than experimental trials of rdna molecules and spike proteins and how they will affect the human body. Almost every person I know that has gotten the “Vaccine” has still contracted Covid-19.
4. Explain to us the proper way that laws are passed?
Laws should be passed for the betterment and protection of the people without infringing on their rights, in addition these laws must stay within the parameters of the United States Constitution. Government’s primary purpose, is to protect each citizen from harm due to foreign threats, or threats from within. Government is responsible to do the things that individuals are incapable of doing on their own, such as the formation of a military, public roads and infrastructure. The formation and eventual implementation of laws should begin at the grassroots, local level. Literally, at the precinct or caucus level. We get involved and elect local officials such as you delegates at the caucus. You are then charged with vetting candidates, such as you are doing now. Then, whomever you select has an obligation to listen to their constituency (you and other citizens), stay true to his or her principles and promises that he/she made during the vetting process and to communicate regularly with the delegates and people within their district. Before and during the legislative session, your representative should be drafting and presenting legislation that its constituency would desire or bring forth issues that he or she would find beneficial to the citizenry. Your representative has an obligation to look at and vet what other representatives may propose, and in turn, as your representative I have an obligation to present, inform and listen to my constituency prior to making a final vote on any individual subject matter. As written in the constitution, congress is the only entity that can make laws, PERIOD! The process for federal office is exactly the same, I happen to be a State Delegate and I am charged with vetting those individuals that are running for federal office, or offices that include multiple counties, As an addition, much of our so called "rules and regulations" which by in large are thought of as laws, are made by unelected Bureaucrats. We must reduce the governmentally entrenched bureaucrats and reduce and eliminate their abilities to dictate mandates rules and regulations and constraints on the public. This is a very tall task, yet I believe it can be done.
5. Explain to us how you will reinstate parents full say in what is taught to their children?
No one politician or even several working together can make such a change, rather, this process has to begin at the grassroots level beginning with parent involvement with their individual school boards. Government officials should support this effort fully, yet definitely take a back seat to parents; wishes. The federal government has NO business in the affairs of what should be taught in our local schools. In addition to increased parental involvement, which is the key to success, (look at Virginia recently) we need elected officials that understand that this should be handled at the local level and they must be willing to stand up and let their voice be heard to enforce these rights. WE THE PEOPLE must activate, get involved, elect good representation on school boards, elect principled people as their representatives in congress and then they must be willing to stay active and hold these officials accountable. If elected officials do not do as the constituency desires, as well as remain within the parameters of the constitution then they should be voted out and replaced.
6. Explain to us how you will eliminate the CRT and other philosophical ideologies from being taught, and instead have teachers teach only their subject matter i.e. Math, English, Science, etc.?
As flawed as this thinking is, people have the right to believe in Critical Race Theory (CRT) and many other ridiculous ideologies, as the first amendment states in our constitution. They do not have the right to insert these racist falsehoods into our school system. CRT needs to be exposed as one of the most racist and polarizing ideologies that have ever existed. I would defer to the answer above, it is most essential that parents get involved in the election and oversight of their local school boards. This is where the rubber meets the road! Elected officials should support, educate and encourage parental involvement at this grassroots level. At the end of the day, we the people must take individual responsibility for who we place on our school boards. The Federal or State government have no place in dictating this or any other ideology into our school system. Elected officials need to understand the constitution and the limited power that it gives them. The voter needs to understand their constitutional rights as well and (fire), vote out of office those officials that overstep these boundaries. I cannot stress enough, if we the people do not get involved then all sorts of things get out of control. The key to a successful republic is an involved and an informed citizenry! So many of our politicians willfully take advantage of the populaces apathy and ignorance, people do not get involved, hence, we end up with evil politicians and horrendous policy such as CRT.
7. What is your belief in God?
I believe that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. I believe that there is one God and that he created all that exists. I believe that he created us with the ability to make our own choices, (freewill) thereby creating the possibility of sin and evil to exist. I believe the evidence and magnificence of God is all around us, all we need do, is to stop, call and listen and we will find him.
8. Why do you think it important that a child be able to pray in school?
The United States of America was the only nation in the history of the world that was established by its people with the God of the Bible at its core. Israel was created by God and given to his chosen people, the Jews. The contrast is significant in that we chose God, God chose Israel. I believe that it precisely for this reason that the United States of America has been blessed by God more than any nation in history. We are that beacon of light on a hill. Prayer is essential in our schools to firmly establish to our children, that God is indeed our creator and that this country was founded on Judeo-Christian principles. Not only children, but each of us should know this and understand that to be most successful we must keep God at the center of all that we do, this includes prayer in our schools. Special accommodation should be made for those of differing beliefs and should be determined by each individual parent of that child. In the final analysis, parents should be making this decision without governmental interference.
9. What will you do to deregulate government micro managing of businesses?
I will review existing laws on the books to determine the necessity of them. I will fight laws and regulations that unfairly regulate and inhibit business to freely conduct their affairs within a free market. I will support legislation that helps all businesses to thrive. I am mindful that large businesses often have unfair advantage over the small guy and I will seek ways to level the playing field, at least to the extent that monopolization is not occurring. If over regulation and red tape exist I will fight to eliminate such laws. I will look for ways to reduce taxes and to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy, which is I believe, the cause of much of our over regulation and taxation.
10. Why do you think it is important that governance rest with the people, or with private entities?
This country was founded on the very principle of ;WE THE PEOPLE; in fact, it is the first three words of our constitution, and it was not placed there by accident. Government exists to serve the people. It does not say “We the Government”! It is imperative that we keep the government where it belongs, as small as possible and accountable to ensure the rights of the people. The current situation that the United States is in today, is a direct result of people taking their eye off the ball, expecting the government to dutifully and righteously conduct the affairs of this country. Unfortunately the people have failed to take part in the system of this republic that has checks and balances in place to protect from government overreach. Government has become corrupt at its core, this includes many, many republicans. I have hope and a great deal of optimism that people are finally waking up to the realization that we all need to get involved. This is my first attempt to run for office in government, I suspect it is many of yours as well. I have seen a swell of new blood, new people becoming involved in our country, this is so amazing! I would conclude with a statement that has enlightened me to some extent: "The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men; – Plato This is where we find ourselves as a nation today. I intend to do my part to change the current state of our government, both locally and nationally by first placing God at its head, then the individual as we serve God, not government. I know that all of you are doing your part as well, thank you for that. No one person can, rather, together we can save this great nation, one precinct, one district and one state at a time. Thank you for getting involved, it truly is going to take all of us! I plan to meet with each delegate in small groups over the course of the coming weeks. I will make every attempt.
Most Recent Republican Party Affiliation Change 2022

Senator Daniel W. Thatcher was elected in 2010, defeating a Democratic incumbent in a historic upset. He has maintained a solidly conservative voting record on protecting the unborn, constitutional rights, lower taxes, and school choice. He is best known for championing criminal justice reforms, veteran’s issues, first responders, and the creation of the SafeUT and 988 Crisis support systems. Government has more oversight and transparency because of his work. He has repealed more laws than any legislator in Utah history, and in addition to voting against SB54, has NEVER gathered signatures. He is married to a US Navy combat veteran.
Most Recent Republican Party Affiliation Change 2004

Andrew Badger is running for Utah’s 1st Congressional District. Andrew is a 5th generation Utahn and attended public school here K-12. He later obtained his B.A. in Government from Harvard College and Master’s Degree in Diplomacy from the University of Oxford. Andrew served with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) for 6 years. Andrew is proud to be endorsed by the Utah Republican Veterans’ Caucus and David Shedd, the former acting director of the DIA.
Our catastrophic defeat in Afghanistan last summer made it clear to me that we need stronger conservatives in Washington who are willing to fight back and actually hold this administration accountable – representatives who recognize the true nature of the threats we are up against and who act with a much greater sense of urgency.
I believe there is a disconnect between our current representatives and the people. They aren’t listening to what matters to everyday Americans and they aren’t advocating for us.
That’s why I support not only traditional Republican issues like limited government & fiscal responsibility, the preservation of life, and defending the 2nd amendment, but also things like safeguarding our elections, upholding the rights of parents in education, and ensuring medical freedom for all by ending illegal mandates.
This is the central question for each voter in the upcoming midterm elections: will your representative do everything they can to fight back against the DC Establishment so that we can control our own lives? Do they have the resolve to hold this administration accountable? Are they willing to speak up not just on the ‘easy’ issues but the hard ones too?
I believe the future of the GOP is conservative leaders like Ron DeSantis & Jim Jordan who are willing to boldly fight to put the interests of American citizens first and defend freedom. In other words, representatives who serve the people, not the DC Establishment.
http://www.badger2022.com/
Most Recent Republican Party Affiliation Change 2012

A native of Ogden, Blake Moore is an effective conservative dedicated to reflecting Utah’s values in Congress and finding solutions to the challenges facing every American. Prior to Congress, Blake served our country in the intelligence and defense community and helped small businesses as a management consultant. In his first term, he has fought Biden’s failing energy, foreign, and economic policies, delivered for Utah and Hill Air Force Base, and positioned himself for leadership when Republicans win back the majority.
Blake’s wife, Jane, and his four kids motivate him to protect and defend the American Dream.

Congressman John Curtis is arming Republicans with science and solutions to combat extreme and counterproductive climate policies. That’s why, in less than a year, his Conservative Climate Caucus (CCC) has become the second largest caucus in Congress. With his leadership, Republicans are fighting to unleash US energy production and drive down prices. They’re fighting to reinvigorate public lands with livestock grazing. They’re fighting to protect the environment with sensible land management. CCC’s agenda will put the US economy on steroids, establish national and international security, and re-secure US energy dominance and food independence. Those policies are also best for the environment.

Kim Del Grosso


Melanie Mortensen is a mother, wife, educator, community council member, and strong advocate for quality choices in public education. In addition to both her professional and personal experiences in the classroom, Melanie has served on curriculum selection committees and has appeared before school boards to ensure parent, teacher, and administrative recommendations are heard. Melanie has a composite bachelors degree in Humanities and English teaching, Secondary Education from Brigham Young University. She and her husband, David, currently live in Davis County. They have four children.