Kathleen Riebe

Kathleen Riebe earned a B.S. in elementary education and teaching from Hofstra University in 1991, an M.Ed. in educational leadership and administration from Utah State University in 2007, and a graduate degree from Utah State University in 2015. Riebe's career experience includes working as an educator, an education technology specialist with the Granite School District, and an outdoor recreation teacher.[1][2][3][4]

Kathleen Riebe did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

blockquote{border-left:none !important;padding-left:2em;position:relative;color:#444;font-family:"Libre Franklin",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px;color:#202122;font-style:normal;}blockquote::before{content:open-quote;font-size:3em;line-height:0.1em;position:absolute;left:-10px;top:40px;color:#ccc}blockquote::after{content:close-quote;font-size:3em;line-height:0.1em;position:absolute;right:0;bottom:0;color:#ccc}

Campaign websiteRiebe's campaign website stated the following:Common-Sense Solutions for Utah’s FutureAs a teacher, mother, and State Senator, Kathleen Riebe is focused on lowering costs, protecting our freedoms, and ensuring every Utahn has a seat at the table.For too long, Washington has focused on partisan games while Utah families face rising costs, crowded classrooms, and an uncertain future. Kathleen Riebe is running for Congress because she believes public service should be about solving problems, not scoring points. Her approach is based on the common-sense values she has supported as a State Senator, prioritizing the needs of everyday people over the interests of billionaires and corporate PACs.Kathleen’s priorities come from her two decades in the classroom and her experience in Utah’s legislature. She is ready to take her record of bipartisan success to Washington to advocate for the working families who are currently left behind.Strengthening Public EducationAs a career educator and former member of the State Board of Education, Kathleen knows education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty and building a strong economy. She has consistently fought for increased funding for the Weighted Pupil Unit (WPU), reducing Utah’s class sizes, and ensuring teachers are paid like the professionals they are.In Congress, Kathleen will push for strong federal support for our schools and students. She believes in protecting the integrity of public education and will oppose efforts to divert essential funding from our neighborhood schools. Her focus remains on literacy, student safety, and preparing the next generation for the modern workforce.Lowering Healthcare CostsRising healthcare premiums and prescription drug costs are a major factor in the affordability crisis facing Utahns today. Kathleen is dedicated to expanding access to affordable care and improving the quality of services for families across the state. She has strongly opposed cuts to rural healthcare, stressing that access to a doctor should not depend on your zip code.Kathleen supports practical steps to lower living costs, such as allowing the government to negotiate lower prescription drug prices and expanding paid family and medical leave. She believes healthcare is a basic necessity and will fight to ensure no Utah family faces financial ruin due to a medical emergency.Protecting Our Environment and Public LandsUtah’s quality of life relies on its stunning landscapes and outdoor recreation options. As a resident of Cottonwood Heights and co-chair of the Clean Air Caucus, Kathleen understands the urgent need for responsible management of our natural resources, including the safeguarding of the Great Salt Lake. She has supported legislation to conserve water, reduce emissions, and promote transit-oriented development to improve air quality.She advocates for responsible management of public lands to keep them accessible for future generations while balancing the need for sustainable growth. In Washington, she will continue to support clean water initiatives and federal policies that protect Utah’s environment from poor air quality and wildfires.Standing Up for Working FamiliesKathleen is committed to addressing the cost-of-living crisis by focusing on essential needs like housing affordability and food security. She supports strategic investments in starter homes and affordable housing projects to ensure that the American Dream of homeownership remains achievable for the next generation of Utahns.Her platform includes middle-class tax relief and policies that help small businesses thrive by reducing unnecessary government red tape. Kathleen believes a strong economy is one where everyone has a fair chance, and she will fight for a minimum wage that reflects the realities of today’s costs.Accountability and Political ReformTo ensure the government serves the people, Kathleen has made it a priority to refuse corporate PAC money during her campaign. She believes representatives should be accountable only to the voters who elected them, not to special interests or billionaires.Kathleen supports overturning the Citizens United decision to limit the influence of dark money in our elections. She also advocates for government transparency, term limits, and using independent commissions for redistricting to make sure every Utahn’s vote counts.— Kathleen Riebe's campaign website (April 12, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Kathleen Riebe comes from a family of civil servants. Every day while working in our schools she sees families celebrating milestones and others struggling to navigate hardships.

Eight years ago she was elected to the state school board and worked to increase transparency and accountability. As Vice-chair of the Finance committee, she advocated for robust internet access, and inclusion for students with disabilities.

In 2018 Kathleen ran for Utah State Senate. She flipped this seat. As Democrats, we serve to push back on policies that do not meet Salt Lake County values. Kathleen has been a voice for better boundaries, cleaner gravel pits, competitive pay for first responders, protecting the initiative process, and responsible development.

Kathleen has pushed back on vouchers, statewide book bans, the gondola, the erosion of reproductive rights, and the erosion of local control. As the Senate Democratic Minority Whip Kathleen has access to vote and speak in more committees.

Kathleen came to Utah 34 years ago to ski for one season. Her kids attend their neighborhood public schools. She has worked full-time as a teacher for 25 years. She has a BA in Education from Hofstra University and a Masters in Education from Utah State University.

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?

Education

Smaller class sizes

Increased services to diverse populations

Innovative practices for a safe return of students into

the classroom

Supports for teachers to be successfulHEALTHCARE

Picture

Affordable and accessible healthcare is critical to sustaining a productive workforce, protecting our families, and ensuring everyone - regardless of background - are given the chance to succeed. As this country navigates a health crisis, Kathleen is a bold leader for expanding Medicaid and providing important efficiencies in healthcare that will help small businesses and their employees focus on their jobs, not their health costs.

Inexpensive preventative care instead of expensive crisis care

Extended care coverage for the 1 in 7 women who experience postpartum depressionENVIRONMENT

Picture

Kathleen and her family chose to live in Cottonwood Heights because of the community's access to outdoor recreational activities. She believes that in order to protect our quality of life, we must support a healthy living environment.

Improved air quality​

Access to clean and open public lands

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education and Juvenile Justice

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My mom and dad both worked hard to provide their children with great opportunities.

My father was a lieutenant in the New York police department. I just recently discovered he assisted in saving three people on Christmas day from a burning building when he was a young patrolman. As I work everyday as a teacher and a senator I see people like my dad serving their communities, dedicating a life time of service to make sure people are safe.

My mother spent most of my childhood at home, voluteering for local organizations. When I was older she went back to work to help support our families higher education endeavors. My mom's service to our community helped people in need and gave those families a bridge to security. I am so appreciative of her late in life career that helped me through college.

My parents were role models for me to give back, step up and work hard.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

An elected official should be transparent, honest and accessible.

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

My favorite job was truckdriving after teaching and my first job was babysitting.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

I believe the three branches of government should work together to create a balanced relationship.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, I have worked to build relationships by attending caucus meeting of special interest groups. My favorite caucus is the Rural caucus. This caucus allows me to better uderstand the needs of my rural partners. I have gotten to know the rural community and these relationships allow us to discuss the common needs.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Governor Olene Walker was a strong advocate for education.

Micheal Leavitt is a real statesman that worked across the aisle to bring a betterment to Utahns.

What committees interest you?

These are the committees I am currently on. I have been fortunate to be appointed to committees that are important to me and allow me to use my profession knowledge.

Education Interim Committee

Executive Appropriations Committee

Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee

Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee

Legislative Management Committee

Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee

Senate Education Committee

Senate Education Confirmation Committee

Senate Government Operations Confirmation Committee

Senate Revenue and Taxation Confirmation Committee

Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee

Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Confirmation Committee

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

I oppose the changes that have been proposed. I think the initiative should not be overly cumbersome and the language should be clear, concise and accurately explain the initiative.

Kathleen Riebe did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2023 Candidate Connection survey.

Kathleen Riebe did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.