Clint Okerlund, the Republican incumbent in Utah House District 42, is running for reelection in the Nov. 3 general election. He faces Democratic candidate Iva Williams.

Candidate information

  • Party: Republican
  • Office sought: Utah House of Representatives, District 42
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in business management, Brigham Young University; MBA, University of Notre Dame (2004)
  • Career: Senior relationship manager, middle market, in commercial, corporate and investment banking at Bank of America Merrill Lynch (2004–2018); CFO/COO (2019–present)

Experience and public service

Okerlund has served as state representative for District 42 since 2025, according to BallotReady profile data. Before entering office, he worked at Bank of America Merrill Lynch from 2004 to 2018. He also works as a CFO and COO, a role he has held since 2019.

On the issues

The following positions are drawn from Okerlund's responses published on his campaign website. All statements reflect the candidate's own claims.

Housing and homelessness

Okerlund said he opposes "excessive regulations and taxes that drive up the cost of housing and limit consumer choice." He said he supports policies that responsibly increase the supply of housing options for Utahns of all income levels but not at the expense of existing homeowners' property values and rights. He said he favors partnerships with nonprofits, faith-based groups and private donors.

On homelessness, Okerlund said he supports a "comprehensive and compassionate approach" that includes mental health and substance abuse treatment, job training and supportive housing. He said programs must show worthwhile outcomes to keep receiving funding.

Environment and energy

Okerlund said clean air is key to Utah's quality of life, health and tourism. He said he would back efforts to cut emissions from vehicles, industries and power plants. He said he supports legislation recognizing the ecological, economic and cultural importance of the Great Salt Lake, emphasizing what he called the "Lake Effect" on canyon snowfall, water supply and tourism. He also said he supports water conservation that balances the needs of agriculture, industry and urban areas.

Infrastructure and transportation

Okerlund said he opposes the Little Cottonwood Canyon Gondola project, saying the Wasatch Mountains need protection from overdevelopment. He said he would advocate for alternative transportation solutions he described as more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. He also said he supports smart growth principles and infrastructure improvements for a growing population.

Taxes and budget

Okerlund said his work as a CFO shapes his approach to government spending. He said he believes the state can lower taxes while getting more done by spending more efficiently. He said he supports reforms to increase government responsiveness and efficiency and root out corruption, waste and abuse of public funds.

Education

Okerlund said he supports funding for public education in Utah. He said the state must attract, retain and reward the very best teachers and give parents, teachers and students the resources for exceptional learning experiences.

Okerlund's policy positions were submitted through a BallotReady candidate questionnaire and published on his campaign website. The Sandy Herald presents them for voter information and does not endorse any candidate.