Celeste Johnson, the former mayor of Midway, Utah, has officially announced her candidacy for the Utah House of Representatives, seeking to represent District 59. Johnson, who has served two terms as mayor, initially considered stepping away from the political arena after her recent term ended. However, encouragement from constituents led her to reconsider, ultimately deciding to run for the seat previously held by Rep. Mike Kohler, who has opted not to seek reelection. In her announcement, Johnson expressed her deep connection to the community and her understanding of local issues. "Having served as mayor for eight years, I have a very good sense of what’s appropriate for the state legislature to do and what’s overreach," Johnson stated. She emphasized her frustration with state-level decisions that often favor the Wasatch Front over the Wasatch Back, where she believes the unique needs of her community are frequently overlooked. As a registered Democrat, Johnson is committed to ensuring that the voices of Summit and Wasatch county residents are adequately represented. The decision by Rep. Kohler not to run again was a significant turning point for Johnson, who felt compelled to step up and provide leadership that aligns with the priorities of the area. "The representative for Summit and Wasatch counties should have a clear understanding of what residents want and need," she remarked. One of Johnson's key campaign focuses is the preservation of open space. She plans to advocate for increased support for the LeRay McAllister Fund, which allocates state funds for conservation easements on farmland. "While we appreciate that we have ongoing support, I would like to see that level of support increased, and that’s something that’s very important to the Wasatch Back, especially," Johnson explained. She believes that protecting agricultural land can significantly benefit the residents and the environment of Utah. Johnson’s tenure as mayor has given her first-hand experience in the collaboration between Summit and Wasatch counties, which she believes is essential for effective governance. "I have seen both counties work well together, and I believe both communities share a commitment to making decisions based on what the residents want," she stated. Growth management is another pressing issue that Johnson intends to address, asserting that decisions regarding community growth should be left to local jurisdictions. "How a community grows should be left up to that community," she asserted, reinforcing her belief in local governance. Housing affordability is a major concern for Johnson as she looks to address statewide issues. She emphasized the necessity of working with developers to create innovative solutions for affordable housing. "I think that’s crucial," she added, highlighting the importance of finding collaborative approaches to this significant challenge. In addition to housing, Johnson has voiced her concerns regarding recent legislation that bans certain books from public schools in Utah. Under current state law, if three school districts or two districts alongside five charter schools decide to ban a book, it is prohibited across all public schools. Johnson criticized this practice, advocating for more local control over educational content. "There could be school districts that don’t agree with that decision. They should be able to make that decision," she articulated, calling for a review of state overreach in matters that impact community individuality. As she enters the race, Johnson urges voters to look beyond party affiliations when making their choices. "This is the time that’s going to be very important to make sure voters are not just checking a box because of a political party. I think we need to really look at issues and make sure that the issues that matter to you are going to be represented on a state level," she said, emphasizing her commitment to serve the people of District 59 based on their needs and values. The candidacy filing period concluded recently, revealing a competitive landscape in District 59. Johnson will face off against three other candidates: Wasatch County Councilor Luke Searle, Deer Valley Resort employee Micah Kagan, and state and county delegate Mark Allen. Searle and Allen are running as Republicans, while Kagan and Johnson are on the Democratic ticket. Should a primary election be necessary, it will take place on June 23, following the party conventions. The general election is scheduled for November 3. With her extensive local experience and a clear vision for the future, Celeste Johnson is poised to become a significant contender in the upcoming election, as she seeks to represent the interests of her constituents in the Utah House of Representatives.