Steven Burt, a South Jordan attorney, is running as an independent for Utah's 4th Congressional District in the Tuesday, Nov. 3, general election. He is one of four candidates certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady data. The others are Jonny Larsen (Democratic), Mike Kennedy (Republican) and Taylor Wright (Libertarian).

Burt said in our candidate questionnaire that his son challenged him to run "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."

Candidate information

Residence: Burt said he was "born and raised in South Jordan, Utah, where he still lives with his family" and has "spent nearly all of his life in Utah's Congressional District 4," according to his campaign website.

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

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

Party affiliation: "Unaffiliated, just like approximately 29% of my neighbors in District 4. Unaffiliated is the fastest growing party identification in Utah … I'm providing an alternative that would answer only to my constituents, and not party bosses."

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 Ballard Spahr profile lists him as counsel.

This is his first campaign. On public service, Burt said: "I currently serve on the board of the Special Olympics of Utah. This is my first time running for elected public office."

On the issues

Top priority — artificial intelligence: "Congress must stop acting powerless as it relates to regulation of artificial intelligence," Burt said. "I would support a comprehensive review of the good work that states have done already, including the Utah Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy, and prioritize aggressive federal legislation that creates a pro-human, safety-focused regulatory regime."

Affordability: "Nothing has impacted affordability more than the disastrous decision to start a war in Iran, and the congressional cowardice that followed it," Burt said. He called for addressing "skyrocketing 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."

Immigration: "Working to pass bipartisan immigration legislation such as the DIGNITY Act, and legislation to rein in ICE such as HB 7870, would be top priorities for me," Burt said. "ICE should focus on finding and deporting violent criminals rather than distracting itself by harassing normal people."

Energy: Burt said he supports a 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." He said he would support the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026.

Federal spending: Burt called for returning the House to "regular order" and said "Congress should end deficit spending and enact legislation requiring a balanced budget."

National security: "The war in Iran should end. Period," Burt said. "It was ill-conceived, has been prosecuted in a haphazard manner, and our continued involvement has no discernible goals or exit strategy."

Responses were collected through the Alpine-Highland-Lehi Tribune's candidate questionnaire. Answers have been excerpted for length; the candidate's original wording is preserved.