Jarom Gillins

Jarom Gillins served in the U.S. Army from 2017 to 2019. He earned a high school diploma from Legacy High School. Gillins' career experience includes working as a technician.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Jarom Gillins, a tradesman, boy scout, and passionate independent reformer running to return government to the people it serves. I’ve worked across industries, seeing firsthand how our governments decisions affect real people. I’m not a career politician, nor do I want to be. I’m tired of watching both parties serve wealthy donors instead of the everyday American. My campaign is about accountability, transparency, and trust, while driving our country into a future. I believe Utah can lead the way by proving that honest, common-sense leadership still works, and corporations shouldn't dictate our lives.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

China is outpacing the U.S. in energy grid growth and reliability. As someone who’s worked in renewable energy, I’ve seen firsthand how outdated our grid has become. Big corporations and data centers get sweetheart deals from power producers, shifting costs to families while neglecting critical transmission upgrades. I’ll fight for modern infrastructure, fair pricing, and a resilient grid that serves the people who actually pay the bills. Not for the corporations that lobby for discounts42% of Utah is federally controlled. Ranchers, tribes, counties, and recreationists depend on that land, but decisions are made in DC. This creates red tape, lawsuits, and inefficiency while locals shoulder the costs. In 2014, the Utah legislature passed the "Transfer Of Public Lands Act", the federal government did not comply. Utahns deserve local control over our land. Federal management traps communities in lawsuits and bureaucracy while our counties pay the bills. We can protect access, preserve heritage, and still keep national parks federal. What’s missing is a system where Utahns decide how to manage grazing, water, and energy responsibly.Money constantly hides in the shadows of our legislation. Super PACs, shell companies, and “nonprofits” let billionaires and foreign interests buy influence while voters are left in the dark. I’ll fight to require full donor disclosure for ALL political spending, ban foreign-linked entities from contributing through U.S. subsidiaries, and close the revolving-door pipeline between Congress and lobbying firms. No more secret money, no more special access. Every vote, every dollar, every deal should be visible to the public, where we can hold our elected officials accountable for their actions.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about restoring government accountability to the people. My focus will be on pushing policies that make the lives of ourselves, our children, and even grandchildren, better. We are all tired of the political division, and tired of losing friends and families over wedge issues that have no place in government. I believe we can and should demand full transparency in how our government spends and who it serves. Every policy I support comes down to one principle: accountability to the people who live and work here, both now, and in the future.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave the world better than I found it and lead by example. I believe in capitalism, but it should reward hard work and results, not manipulation and greed. Our current version of capitalism is failing Americans every day. When people put in the effort, they should see the return. Success should lift everyone who earns it, not just those at the top. Doing the right thing, treating people fairly, and leading with integrity are how we fix what’s broken without abandoning what works.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was as a Boy Scout camp counselor and lifeguard, a role I held for two summers in high school while working as a city lifeguard in the off-season. The Boy Scouts taught me responsibility, service, and integrity. These values still guide me to this day. Leading younger scouts, keeping people safe, and living by the Scout Oath and Law shaped my moral compass long before politics ever entered the picture.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Absolutely not. That’s how we got here. Career politicians have turned government into a business that serves donors, not voters. They’ve buried us in debt, driven up costs, and let corruption become normal. We need people who know what it’s like to earn a paycheck and pay the price for bad decisions made in Washington. Real-world experience builds accountability, something this government has long-since forgotten.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?

Elections should remain fair and free. Many Americans want election day to be a federal holiday, as taking time off work is inconvenient, and many people don't trust mail-in ballots. Eventually, a better system for voting will be enacted, and as a representative, I would like to lead the charge on ensuring every legal voters voice is heard.