In a significant political development for Utah's District 4, former Oakley Mayor Zane Woolstenhulme has officially announced his candidacy for the State House of Representatives. Woolstenhulme, who served as mayor since 2022 and has extensive experience in public finance and community service, made his announcement on Thursday. His candidacy comes at a time when the political landscape in Utah is rapidly evolving, particularly in light of recent shifts in representation and governance across the state. District 4 encompasses a diverse geographical area that includes parts of Summit, Morgan, and Rich counties, which are known for their stunning natural landscapes and tight-knit communities. In addressing his future constituents, Woolstenhulme expressed a deep commitment to serving the citizens of this district, stating, "As a native of Summit County with dear friends and associates throughout House District 4, it would be my honor to serve the citizens here in the Utah State Legislature and help strengthen the communities in which we live." With rural roots that run deep in the region, Woolstenhulme believes he is uniquely qualified for the role. He brings a wealth of experience to his campaign, including over 20 years on the city Planning Commission and nearly a decade on the board of the Mountainlands Community Housing Trust. His family legacy includes multiple generations of public service; his grandfather, father, and brother have all held the position of mayor in Oakley, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to local governance and community development. In addition to his public service, Woolstenhulme has been instrumental in environmental advocacy. He highlighted his collaboration with the Summit Land Conservancy to protect vital waterways and agricultural lands, ensuring these resources remain available for future generations. This initiative not only preserves the natural beauty of the district but also supports multigenerational farming and ranching families by providing them with financial incentives to maintain their agricultural practices. Woolstenhulme's background in business management and public finance is extensive. He has served as the business administrator for the Ogden School District for over a dozen years and has nearly 40 years of experience in public education administration, which includes his tenure at the South Summit School District. His educational background features a degree in accounting from the University of Utah, equipping him with the skills necessary to manage government budgets and public resources effectively. "This background has given me broad expertise in managing government budgets, personnel, and public facilities," Woolstenhulme noted, emphasizing his commitment to responsible stewardship of public trust. His professional history underlines his capability to handle the complexities of state governance, particularly in areas such as education, infrastructure, and community services. Woolstenhulme's personal life also reflects his deep ties to the community. He has been married to his wife, Elizabeth, for 44 years, and they have six adult children and 12 grandchildren. This family-oriented approach resonates with many constituents who value community and familial connections in their representatives. As he embarks on this political journey, Woolstenhulme is keenly aware of the challenges facing the nation, particularly the increasing political polarization. He has made it clear that if elected, he aims to foster unity rather than division. "Like many of you, I am saddened by the growing political polarization and division in our country, and if elected, I promise to work hard to build bridges, not walls," he stated. His candidacy comes at a critical juncture, as current District 4 representative, Tiara Auxier, a Morgan Republican, was appointed in January 2025 to complete a term after Kera Birkeland's resignation. Woolstenhulme will be competing for the seat in the upcoming elections, where he hopes to leverage his extensive community ties and professional experience to make a meaningful impact. Political analysts suggest that Woolstenhulme's familiarity with local issues and his established relationships within the community may give him an edge in the race. As voters in District 4 prepare for the upcoming election, Woolstenhulme’s announcement marks the beginning of what promises to be a dynamic campaign season in Utah politics. His commitment to serving the constituents of District 4 will be put to the test as he navigates the electoral landscape and addresses the pressing concerns of his future constituents. As the campaign progresses, Woolstenhulme's ability to connect with voters and articulate his vision for the future of District 4 will be critical to his success. With a rich history of community service and a clear agenda focused on unity and progress, Zane Woolstenhulme is poised to become a significant player in Utah's political arena.