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CJ Hernandez focuses on public service, cost of living in campaign for Senate District 5 seat

By STANDARD-EXAMINER STAFF - | Oct 14, 2026

Photo supplied, CJ Hernandez

CJ Hernandez

CJ Hernandez is a Democratic candidate for the Senate District 5 seat. Below are her responses to a six-question survey sent to her by the Standard-Examiner. The Standard-Examiner made an attempt to contact each candidate involved in a competitive race in Weber and Davis counties.

1. Why is the position you are running for important?

This is the most competitive senate district in the state. That gives Senate District 5 voters a unique opportunity this year to send a message to Utah’s leaders by voting against the status quo. We’ve had one party in power for decades, and if we want things to change, we need more voices at the table and new leadership.

2. What unique qualities, attributes, skills, and experiences do you possess that make you the best candidate in this race?

I’ve spent my career in public service. From working as a US diplomat for twenty years to bringing jobs to Hill Air Force Base, I have experience stewarding taxpayer dollars, negotiating contracts and supporting American businesses. If elected, I will bring that experience, combined with my commitment to integrity, financial transparency, and pragmatic leadership to the State Senate.

3. Please explain your priorities if elected, as well as why you believe you are uniquely capable of achieving those priorities.

Addressing the cost of living is my number one priority. I intend to use my negotiations experience to pass bills that will increase the availability of housing, childcare and healthcare, and eliminate the state sales tax on groceries. I am also committed to preserving Utah’s environment and saving the Great Salt Lake. My experience facilitating environmental impact studies will help me gauge the environmental effects of new legislation. We must encourage water conservation by expanding rebate programs, xeriscaping government properties, and ensuring that all water we save makes its way to the Great Salt Lake.

Additionally, I support an immediate moratorium on data centers to keep energy costs down and preserve Utah’s water.

I am also committed to keeping Utah schools competitive and fully funded. I support repealing the opaque voucher program, as it doesn’t “fit all”, to restore focus and resources to public schools. In order to retain good teachers, we must protect their ability to collectively bargain and join a union. Unlike my opponent, I will never vote to strip public school teachers of their labor rights.

I also know that Utahns are tired of governmental power-grabs. Our legislature has tried to limit our right to pass ballot initiatives, packed the state supreme court, and gerrymandered our legislative districts to isolate themselves from voter feedback. I believe in listening to voters, protecting Utahn’s ability to vote by mail, and protecting our right to pass citizen initiatives. I’ve dedicated my campaign to listening to and serving voters, and I intend to maintain that commitment in the State Senate.

4. Please describe how you view the importance of compromise in politics and provide an example from your own experiences that highlights your perspective.

I worked for the State Department in Mexico, China, and Hungary, building bridges with foreign officials who did not share my language, politics, or nationality and still found common ground. I have worked under five U.S. Presidents and their political appointees to carry out good policy. I believe in pragmatic leadership, and I know that collaboration and compromise is necessary to get things done.

5. How will you balance the views of the vocal public, your political party, and your own understanding and knowledge as an elected representative?

First and foremost, elected officials should serve their voters. I am appalled by the way that some of our state’s elected officials have overruled voter concerns on data centers and redistricting. If the public is pushing back on an issue, then elected representatives should re-evaluate their position.

6. What is the best way for readers to contact you and/or get more information about your platform?

You can learn more about my background and platform, or contact me directly, at www.cjforsenate.com. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram at @cjforutsenate, and Tiktok at @cjin.ut.

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