I believe Utah needs a bigger table at the Capitol. Good legislation comes from listening, disagreement, debate and compromise. When one party holds a supermajority, those important conversations can become limited, if they happen at all.

People matter more than politics. I believe Utah is ready to work toward the common good.

Since the 2016 election, voters in the communities within SD21 have had little opportunity to choose their state senator. Our representation has been decided through uncontested elections or appointments by Republican delegates. I am running so that this November, voters will have a choice.

What unique qualities, attributes, skills and experiences do you possess that make you the best candidate?

I’ve been a Realtor for over 30 years, a licensed associate broker since 1997, and have owned five businesses. I understand private enterprise, property rights, negotiations and financial responsibility.

I’m a wife, mother, grandmother, and lifelong learner. My life hasn’t followed an easy path. Losses, setbacks, and new beginnings have taught me resilience, humility and compassion.

In 2025, I earned a master’s degree in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, studying what helps people and communities flourish.

I believe two things can be true at once. We can disagree, and both have something valuable to contribute. We can be firm in our convictions and curious about another’s perspective.

Courage, curiosity, and kindness guide how I live and lead.

What are your priorities, and why are you uniquely capable of achieving them?

My priorities are strengthening public education, improving affordability in health care and early child education options for Utah families, and ensuring government remains accountable to the people.

Public schools deserve our investment. Teachers need support, children need manageable class sizes and public tax dollars should be invested in our public schools first.

My real estate experience gives me firsthand knowledge of housing, growth, property rights and responsible community planning. I have specific ideas for meaningful legislative changes and am eager to put my experience to work developing practical solutions for Utah families and communities.

Fourty years in business has taught me to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, negotiate differences and find workable solutions. I don’t have all the answers. Nobody does. That’s why we need more voices at the table.

How important is compromise in politics? Provide an example.

One out of ten on a scale of importance, it is an eleven. It’s often evidence that people have listened carefully enough to understand one another.

I’ve spent over 30 years negotiating real estate transactions. Buyers and sellers frequently begin with competing priorities, different expectations and strong emotions.

My job isn’t to declare a winner. It’s to understand what matters to each party, identify options and help find solutions both can accept. Sometimes the best solution is one neither side initially imagined.

I believe two things can be true at once. We can disagree about solutions while sharing common goals. Good government requires a willingness to listen, negotiate and occasionally change our minds.

How will you balance public opinion, party loyalty, and your own knowledge?

I’m a third-generation Democrat, a businesswoman, and a capitalist. I value individual liberty, personal responsibility, and caring for our neighbors.

My party doesn’t own my vote.

Elected representatives must listen beyond the loudest voices. People who don’t attend meetings, donate to campaigns, or participate politically still deserve representation.

Whether considering water, development, taxes, or redistricting, I’ll ask: What does the evidence tell us? Who benefits? Who bears the costs? Whose voice is missing?

I’ll listen to constituents, seek expert knowledge, consider opposing perspectives, and explain my decisions.

I won’t promise to agree with everyone. I will promise to listen, remain curious and tell the truth. Understanding another’s perspective does not require agreement; however, it can create trust within a relationship.

I’m running to represent everyone in Senate District 21.

How can readers contact you or learn more?

Visit www.kandee4utah.com to learn a surface-level of information about my background, priorities, and campaign.

Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have additional content, more detailed content, that I expect will be helpful. I like one on one in-person question-and-answer settings. My final cottage meeting is Oct 20, 2026, in Highland.