Raymond Ward

Raymond Ward (Republican Party) is a member of the Utah House of Representatives, representing District 19. He assumed office on January 1, 2015. His current term ends on January 1, 2027.

Ward (Republican Party) is running for re-election to the Utah House of Representatives to represent District 19. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. The Republican primary for this office on June 23, 2026, was canceled.

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What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

1. Keep Utah's economy strong by keeping the state as a welcoming place to do business

2. Make sure the state Medicaid program runs well so that people get the services they need while also keeping health care costs in control.

3. Making sure our public schools get the support they need so our students can have a great educational experience.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I spend much of my time working on health care related issues because this is what I feel like I know the most about from my primary career as a family physician.

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

Three other politicians that I look up to and hope to follow their example would be Governor Gary Herbert, Lt. Gov Spencer Cox, and Mitt Romney.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

If I were picking a film that I think describes our current national politics, I would go with "Infinity War". If I were picking a movie about what I aspire to, it would be "A man for all seasons" because it tells the story of a politician who did what he thought was right when it lead him to power, but still did what he thought was right even when he knew ti would lead to his downfall.

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

Honesty, Kindness, Willingness to work hard.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I work hard to understand the wishes of the folks who live in my district and to respond to them when they have questions or problems.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

For my office (state legislature) they are

1. Represent the wishes of your constituents

2. Understand and make good decisions about the state budget

3. Get some areas of policy expertise (health care for me) and work to implement (or repeal) policies in those areas that will make things better for your state.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I hope all legislators would aspire to leave their state a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

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

Picking Radishes (for a penny per bunch) from Charlie Bangeter

What happened on your most awkward date?

That will remain classified

What is your favorite book? Why?

Two recent books I read (not necessarily all time favorites, but both pretty good) were "Red Rising" (your basic dystopian future where the downtrodden rise up to conquer the galaxy) and "Nothing Like it in World" which is the history of the planning and building of the first trans continental railroad across America.

What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?

My Dog Crackerjack. Because he is a good dog.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

"This is Me" from the greatest showman. Mostly because my daughter Lucy plays it on her Spotify list.

Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?

(Non-serious answer) The house (my chamber) is exciting and energetic. The Senate (the other chamber) is stuffy and condescending.

(Serious answer) I am not sure that the differences between them are that important. What is important is that in order for a piece of legislation to pass -- it has to get a majority of votes in a group where the chief sponsor is not personally present to push for it. This definitely helps weed out some legislation that shouldn't pass.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I don't think that it is important for every single legislator to have this (I didn't when I first got in). But certainly we need for a good number to have it so you know how the system works, and how to respect and follow the process.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

We continue to be in a period of fairly rapid growth and will for some time. Keeping up with adequate schools, transportation infrastructure and keeping the air clean will all be difficult challenges.

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

Two co-equal branches of government that have different roles. The legislature Passes laws, passes the budget, and provides oversight and feedback to the executive branch. The executive branch (as lead by the governor) carries out the law, and spends the budgeted money on projects (education, transportation, law enforcement) that are important to the state.

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

I can't believe that anyone would every say no. Of course it is. You can't get anything through if you don't get the support of your colleagues, and you can't be an expert in everything, so you need to know which of your colleagues are good at different things to go ask their opinion when issues come up that you aren't familiar with.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Boundaries drawn by an independent commission, then ratified (or rejected) by the legislature.

If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?

I like them all -- but am most at home on the health related committees.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

If I could choose one issue that I got to try and fix, it would be our horribly high costs for health care. And since that is largely a function of federal policy -- that would mean running for congress. However - I don't seem to have several million dollars lying around, nor a political benefactor wanting to give me several million dollars, so me running for congress seems unlikely. But, I'm very happy in the office where I currently am serving, and glad for the chance I have had to get to do this for the last 4 years.

Ward's website highlighted the following campaign themes:[6]

I value education.

Excerpt: "My pledge is that I will work with teachers, principals, school boards, students and parents to make our schools the best they can be."

I value efficient administration of Medicaid.

Excerpt: "Utah needs to find a solution to the Medicaid expansion that involves the private insurance market. I fully support Governor Herbert’s current efforts to negotiate these changes with the Federal Government. We deserve our fair share of our federal tax money (the amount at stake is $300 Million per year!), and people need to have access to basic health care to be able to work and care for their families."

I value a good environment for business and for families.

Excerpt: "Government should not be about choosing winners and losers in the business community. We should keep burdensome regulations at a minimum and allow the free market to operate."