Sandy-area voters will choose between incumbent state Sen. Karen Kwan and Republican challenger Deidre Tyler for Utah Senate District 12 on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Two academics with contrasting policy views are competing for the seat. Kwan, a Democrat and psychology professor emeritus, has served in the Utah Legislature since winning a state House seat in 2016. Democratic delegates chose her to replace the late Sen. Karen Mayne in January 2023 after Mayne resigned due to health issues. Kwan won a special general election in November 2024, defeating Republican Judy Weeks-Rohner with 56.5% of the vote, according to Ballotpedia. The Nov. 3 contest is her first regular election for the Senate seat.

Tyler, a retired social worker and sociology professor, said she worked as a social worker for five years and a college instructor for 31 years, according to the Salt Lake Tribune voter guide published Oct. 12.

Neither candidate faced a primary challenger.

In the voter guide, both candidates laid out positions on housing, water and other issues facing the district, which covers parts of Sandy in Salt Lake County.

Housing

Both candidates named housing affordability as a priority, but they differ on approach. Kwan said she supports more housing options families can afford, help with childcare costs and expanded public transit. Tyler said state leaders should reduce the tax burden on homeowners and encourage cities to allow smaller lots.

"We have got to be very creative in providing affordable housing," Tyler said in the voter guide.

Water

Kwan said she supports tying new development to reliable water supplies, expanding water-wise landscaping and ensuring saved water reaches the Great Salt Lake. She also called for working with other Colorado River states on sustainable agreements.

Tyler said she supports water-leasing programs to help preserve the Great Salt Lake and the Colorado River.

Immigration and family policy

Kwan said immigration has been the top issue she has heard from constituents. She supports reform that respects due process, keeps families together and focuses enforcement on public safety threats.

Tyler focused on family policy. She said she supports a "purple law" that would mark the driver's licenses of people with two or more domestic violence offenses. She also called for training social workers to recognize signs of child abuse.

Constitutional amendments

Both candidates said they would vote against Constitutional Amendment A, which would move publication of amendment text from newspapers to state websites. They split on Amendment B, which would require citizen-proposed tax increases to win 60% approval instead of a simple majority. Kwan said she would vote against it. Tyler said she would vote for it.

How to vote

Mail ballots began going out Oct. 13, according to the Utah Voter Information Pamphlet. The deadline to register online is 5 p.m. Oct. 23. Voters can register in person through 8 p.m. on Election Day. Mail ballots must reach the county clerk or a drop box by 8 p.m. Nov. 3.