Republican Rep. Chris Stewart is seeking a fifth term in office representing Utah’s 2nd Congressional District. Democrat Kael Weston, an author, teacher and former U.S. State Department official, is challenging Stewart for the seat.
For this guide, Kael Weston responded to KUER’s candidate survey with KUER. Rep. Chris Stewart did not respond to it. The information below is based on the survey, KUER's past reporting and publicly available campaign information.
Affordable Care Act
Weston
Wants to keep ACA in place, saying it has increased access to health care. Says ACA should be strengthened by lowering costs and increasing coverage.
Stewart
Has voted and co-sponsored bills to dismantle the ACA, saying it goes against personal freedom and limited government and hurts the economy. Co-sponsored the alternative American Healthcare Reform Act, which aims to lower health care costs by allowing people to buy insurance across state lines.
Police Reform
Weston
Wants more oversight of police misconduct. Also wants to require body cameras be worn by federal police officers; Says chokeholds by federal officers should be banned. Wants improved training and stronger civilian review boards.
Stewart
Wants to ban chokeholds, create stricter reporting requirements for use of force and no-knock warrants. Says he is willing to compromise on qualified immunity.
Gun Control
Weston
Says that we need solutions to gun violence that aren’t tied to gun control — like federal research on gun violence. Supports universal background checks, assault weapons bans and red flag laws.
Stewart
Says he would support red flag laws and closing background check loopholes.
Lake Powell Pipeline
Weston
Says he does not support rushing to build the pipeline. Wants Utah to focus on conservation, incentives for homeowners and businesses to move away from green lawns and helping farmers better manage water resources.
Stewart
Says the Lake Powell Pipeline is necessary to accommodate growth.
Federal Pandemic Aid
Weston
Supports federal funding for state, local and tribal governments, extending pandemic unemployment benefits and raising the minimum wage.
“Economic recovery requires a real strategy to deal with the pandemic and people-first policies focused on families, small businesses, and local economies.”
Stewart
Voted for the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act in April. Voted against House Democrats’ $3 trillion coronavirus relief plan in May, calling it a “socialist wish list.
“It absolutely moves our country toward socialist principles which are very, very difficult to move back from.” (Deseret News, May 15, 2020)
Abortion
Is pro-choice, and says persons are entitled to control their own health and body, including having safe access to sexual and reproductive information and services and the autonomy to make decisions that work for them and their families.
Is pro-life and called abortion “evil” on the House Floor in 2019. Co-sponsored the Health Care Conscience Rights Act, which repeals the ACA’s coverage of abortions.