Steven Burt, an attorney from South Jordan, is running as an independent for Utah's 4th Congressional District in the Nov. 3 general election. He faces Republican Mike Kennedy, Democrat Jonny Larsen and Libertarian Taylor Wright.

Asked why he is running, Burt said in our candidate questionnaire: "My decision started with a conversation with my 19 year old son. He challenged me to run, and to run for this particular office, based on his concerns about the direction of the country. His generation is losing hope in the American Dream, and it's up to those of us who have lived it to ensure we pass on the same opportunities to the next generation."

Burt said he is "the only candidate in the race that lives in District 4."

Candidate information

Party affiliation: Burt said in our questionnaire: "Unaffiliated, just like approximately 29% of my neighbors in District 4. Unaffiliated is the fastest growing party identification in Utah."

Family: Burt said: "My wife, Dr. Becky Burt (DNP) is a Nurse Practitioner. I have two sons who are 20 and 17 years old."

Education: Burt said: "BA in Political Science from Brigham Young University. Juris Doctorate from the University of Utah."

Experience and public service

Burt said in our questionnaire: "I am an attorney, practicing since 2007. I worked for the Ballard Spahr law firm for 9 years, and then for solar companies for 9 years (including one year running my own law firm), and returned to private practice with Ballard Spahr." His employment at Ballard Spahr is confirmed by the firm's website. He said his last role "was as Chief Public Policy Officer for a public benefit corporation that deployed solar in low income communities."

Burt said he "spent three years working closely with the U.S. House and Senate on energy and tax policy." He also said he "won the Distinguished Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award."

This is his first campaign. He said he serves on the board of the Special Olympics of Utah.

On the issues

Top priority — artificial intelligence: Burt said: "Congress must stop acting powerless as it relates to regulation of artificial intelligence." He said he would support "aggressive federal legislation that creates a pro-human, safety-focused regulatory regime."

Affordability and cost of living: Burt said: "Nothing has impacted affordability more than the disastrous decision to start a war in Iran, and the congressional cowardice that followed it." He called for addressing housing costs "through policy that encourages local governments to reform zoning laws, government programs like the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, and developing public housing." He also said Congress should "rein in the Trump tariffs" and "end deficit spending and balance the budget."

Immigration: Burt said: "Congress needs to enact comprehensive immigration reform that strikes the appropriate balance between securing the border and providing an orderly, fair, and strategically beneificial way to welcome immigrants into our country." He would support "bipartisan immigration legislation such as the DIGNITY Act" and said "ICE should focus on finding and deporting violent criminals rather than distracting itself by harassing normal people."

Energy and environment: Burt said he supports "an all of the above" energy strategy "that prioritizes renewables (solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal) due to the environmental benefits, speed to deploy, and low (or no) fuel cost, without discounting other fuel sources such as nuclear and natural gas."

Federal spending: On spending, Burt cited the Congressional Research Service's description of "regular order" and said the House should return to that committee-driven process. He said: "Few steps would help us rein in spending and address the national debt more than a return to regular order." He added: "Congress should end deficit spending and enact legislation requiring a balanced budget."

National security and Iran: Burt said: "The war in Iran should end. Period." He called it "ill-conceived" and said "our continued involvement has no discernible goals or exit strategy."

Burt's responses come from a Draper Herald candidate questionnaire. His ballot status is certified, according to BallotReady. Utah's general election is Nov. 3.