By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News

Following the announcement that longtime Rep. Christine Watkins would not be seeking reelection in 2026, four candidates from across eastern Utah have filed to run for the vacancy. Three Republicans, JR Bird, Gina Gagon and Yvonne Jensen and one Democrat in Carl Ingwell have entered the fray in an attempt to become the newest member of the Utah House of Representatives.

Following the filing period, Castle Country Radio reached out to each candidate to learn more about their motives for running, goals if elected and other information crucial to voters. The following is how each candidate responded. Candidates are listed alphabetically by last name.

Editors note: Candidates answers may be edited for style and grammar.

JR Bird

What made you want to run for the open HD67 seat?

As a lifelong resident of Duchesne County, I care deeply about rural Utah and the values that shape our communities—hard work, faith, family, and self-reliance. I decided to run for HD67 because I want to ensure those values are represented at the state level and that our district has a strong, practical voice in the Legislature. I believe I have the experience, relationships and ability to ensure that our area’s unique challenges are at the forefront of policy decisions and law making at the state level. Ultimately my desire is to work collaboratively with local and state leaders to improve the quality of life for rural Utahn’s.

What experience do you have that would aid you if elected to the state house of representatives?

I have over 27 years of experience working in the oil and gas industry, which has given me an in-depth understanding of how energy policy affects rural communities and local economies. 

 As an entrepreneur I have built businesses from the ground up, as well as acquired failing businesses and turned them into successful enterprises. This has helped me understand the great tax and regulatory burden that many of our small businesses face.

As an ag producer, I feel I have a good understanding of the difficulties our farmers and ranchers face from water scarcity, industry volatility, and land use.

I have served as a city councilman for two years and as Mayor of Roosevelt City for eight years. As Mayor I created several committees to work collaboratively with council and staff that increased public involvement and transparency. Our team was able to secure 10’s of millions in funding for critical infrastructure and other projects that improved the quality of life of our residents. My time in local government has given me invaluable insight on how government decisions directly affect, for better or worse, the lives of those we serve.  

I have served eight years on the Central Utah Water board of trustees, which has given me a good understanding of the complex water infrastructure that exists throughout the majority of the state and the delicate relationship we have with the upper basin and lower basin states through the Colorado river compact. 

Running a Congressional campaign two years ago gave me an opportunity to meet and build relationships with local and state officials, business leaders, as well as good hardworking people throughout the state. Those connections will be invaluable when building consensus for policy and projects pertaining to our district.

What are three main issues you’d like to focus on if elected?

There are several issues we face as a district, but those at the forefront are Energy, Water & Critical infrastructure and Educational opportunity to ensure our children’s success.

Energy

Coal mining, oil & gas production, and power generation is the backbone of District 67’s economy; providing good-paying jobs, funding for our schools, infrastructure, and supporting local services. With over 27 years of experience working in the oil & gas industry, I understand the great need for common-sense energy policies and regulatory reform. I will collaborate with energy leaders, and state and local officials to provide a more stable energy framework that will strengthen our rural economies, and support energy independence.

Water & Critical Infrastructure

Infrastructure is key to quality of life and the foundation of economic opportunity. Reliable water systems, safe roads systems, power, telecommunication, and efficient rail access determine whether businesses can locate, expand, and succeed. Without strong infrastructure, even the best ideas and hardest-working people are held back. I will fight to protect critical water rights and will work tirelessly with state and local entities to identify opportunities and funding to build and maintain infrastructure that is vital for our communities.

Education

A quality education is crucial in preparing young people for real life and real jobs. As a Father of four, I understand the importance of having educational opportunities that fit each child’s needs. I will work to ensure that our students, teachers and institutions receive the critical resources they need to be successful.

What is the most important thing voters should know about you?

My No.1 objective and desire is to listen and to better understand the problems and  challenges that hardworking folks in our district are facing and to work collaboratively to find principled solutions to those problems. I’m a team player and love to bring people together to find creative ways to overcome challenges and collectively improve our quality of life. I believe that honesty, transparency and accountability are core principles essential to public service and necessary to gain the public’s trust. I’m a problem solver and will work tirelessly to ensure that your voice is heard and that we get results for our district.

Gina Gagon

What made you want to run for the open HD67 seat?

I decided to run because District 67 deserves experienced, steady leadership rooted in our rural communities. I grew up on a farm in Emery County, built my family and career in Carbon County, and have spent my adult life working alongside local governments, schools, healthcare systems, and community organizations across Carbon, Emery and Duchesne Counties. Through that work, I have seen firsthand how state-level decisions directly affect rural Utah—from the services our cities and counties can provide to the strength of our schools, small businesses and families. When this seat opened, I felt a responsibility to step forward and serve, using my experience to ensure District 67 has a strong, practical voice at the Capitol.

What experience do you have that would aid you if elected to the state house of representatives?

My background combines business, healthcare, and public service. I hold a master’s degree in business administration and an undergraduate degree in accounting, and I began my career as an auditor and financial advisor with PricewaterhouseCoopers. For the past 25 years, I have helped manage and grow a rural family medicine practice, navigating budgets, regulatory compliance, workforce challenges and access to care in rural Utah.

I have served in a wide range of community leadership roles, including PTA president, founding chair of the Boys & Girls Club of Carbon County, chair of the Carbon County Strategic Planning Committee, chair of the Community Economic Council and treasurer of Price Chapel. Most recently, I have represented Carbon, Emery, and Duchesne Counties as a trustee for both Utah State University and Uinta Basin Technical College. These experiences have given me a practical, grounded understanding of how state policy directly affects education funding, workforce development, healthcare access, and rural economies.

What are three main issues you’d like to focus on if elected?

There are many issues that deserve attention, and I will work on all of them, but I believe I can make the most immediate impact in these areas:

1) Jobs and Economic Stability

Strong communities depend on strong local economies and good-paying jobs. That means supporting quality education and training opportunities, strengthening existing businesses, and reducing reliance on a single industry by encouraging responsible economic diversification.

2) Infrastructure and Rural Character

Protecting our rural way of life requires addressing aging infrastructure—water, sewer, and electrical systems—through responsible, long-term planning. I will work to modernize critical infrastructure while protecting our agriculture, public lands, and the many other things that make up our rural character while working to avoid unfair tax burdens on local families.

3) Access to Rural Healthcare

Families in District 67 know what it means to live in medical deserts—traveling long distances for specialty care, facing higher out-of-pocket costs, and worrying about delayed emergency response. Senior citizens feel the impact the most, often travelling for hours for follow-up care. I will focus on policies that strengthen healthcare access for patients, expand specialty care locally, and support EMS providers so distance, cost, or bureaucracy do not determine outcomes for rural Utah families. I will focus on practical solutions that improve outcomes while respecting taxpayers and using resources wisely.

What is the most important thing voters should know about you?

The most important thing voters should know is that I am grounded in the communities of District 67 and guided by clear principles. My parents raised me with the strong values of faith, family, and hard work, and those values still guide every decision I make. I believe in individual freedom, fiscal responsibility, the rule of law, and human dignity. I am not running to make noise—I am running to do the work, listen carefully, and represent District 67 with integrity and common sense. My goal is simple: protect what makes our communities special while building a strong future for the next generation.

Carl Ingwell

What made you want to run for the open HD67 seat?

In 2017, I ran in the democratic primary for Congressional District 3. Serving my community is one of my primary values in life. I was raised in eastern Utah, and will always be looking to help make this part of the state a little bit better. 

What experience do you have that would aid you if elected to the state house of representatives?

I have worked as an environmental lobbyist with the state legislature, and we were able to pass numerous bills that improved Utah’s environmental quality. For years, I worked as a community organizer, and have extensive experience listening to stakeholders, and getting people rallied behind a cause.  I have worked with other state agencies such as the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Utah Department of Transportation, the Department of Environmental Quality, etc. to pass both local and statewide rules. I currently serve on the Price City Library Board, and am a committee member for the Get Healthy Utah initiative.

What are three main issues you’d like to focus on if elected?

The three main issues I would like to focus on are: 1. Building multi-faceted, resilient economies in HD67 2. Mitigation and adaptation to climate change, including water access and flood control.3. Wildlife conservation and the preservation of public lands. (OK, OK, that’s two rolled into one) 

What is the most important thing voters should know about you?

That I am not willing to sacrifice my values, but I think that they are in line with other eastern Utahns. That being said, I am always looking to find common ground and work together towards shared goals. These are our communities, and I am running to be a representative for all. 

Yvonne Jensen

What made you want to run for the open HD67 seat?

I am running for House District 67 to represent the people of Southeastern Utah and to expand opportunities for residents in every area of life. Rural Utah needs a representative who understands its unique challenges and strengths and is committed to meeting the real needs of its communities. I am dedicated to serving District 67 with integrity, experience, and a deep respect for the people who live here.

What experience do you have that would aid you if elected to the state house of representatives?

I bring 34 years of experience in education, including roles as a teacher, school leader, and district leader.

Throughout my career, I have worked closely with state education leaders to create meaningful opportunities for both educators and students. I have been directly involved in expanding professional training for local educators and enhancing learning experiences for students across our communities.

Beyond education, I partnered with my husband to grow our small business into a successful, thriving operation, giving me firsthand experience with the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship in a rural area.

I have also held leadership roles within the community and have mentored youth in a variety of capacities. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to service, collaboration, and long-term community growth.

What are three main issues you’d like to focus on if elected?

Economic Growth and Employment Opportunities: Supporting small businesses and fostering sustainable economic development in rural communities.

Educational Opportunities: Strengthening education at all levels to ensure students and educators have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

Safeguarding Natural Resources:Promoting responsible and appropriate use of land and water while protecting the natural resources vital to our way of life.

Rural Health Care: Improving access to health care services, including addressing drug use and substance abuse in our communities.

What is the most important thing voters should know about you?

I have lived, worked, and raised a family in southeastern Utah. My focus is, and always has been, on serving people and strengthening communities. I promote values that encourage individual responsibility, community involvement, and long-term growth.

District 67 has tremendous potential, and I will be a strong advocate for its citizens. I have consistently demonstrated my ability to create opportunities, foster growth, and stay engaged in the work that matters. My goal is to support local people today while building a stronger future for generations to come.