Steve Merrill

Steve Merrill was born in Ludington, Michigan. He earned an associate degree from West Shore Community College in 2002. Merrill's career experience includes working as a programmer.[1]

Steve Merrill did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

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Campaign websiteMerrill's campaign website stated the following:COMMUNITY BELONGING & NEIGHBOR SUPPORTIn Utah, we take care of each other — no exceptions. We rebuild the community fabric we’ve lost.We show up when families are hurting.No family should face a crisis alone.We help neighbors in crisis before we help corporations.Belonging isn’t optional — it’s how Utah survives.WORKING-CLASS DIGNITY & ECONOMIC STABILITYA future where working people—not the wealthy elite—come first. Real economic freedom means stability, not struggle.Fair wages, fair markets, and fair opportunities.No more policies that sacrifice rural families for corporate donors.No more generational farms being wiped out by overnight market erasures.A baseline every family can rely on (food, housing, heat, healthcare).HONEST LEADERSHIP THAT LISTENSLeadership that talks with you, not at you. Leaders must answer real questions honestly.Public service means serving people—not donors or lobbyists.Government should be of, by, and for the people.Accountability is non-negotiable.Decisions must reflect real Utah communities, not the Shadow Elite.— Steve Merrill's campaign website (April 10, 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.

We are in a pivotal time in our state's (and country's) history. I have watched as rights were stripped away from my wife and my daughter, I have seen legislation pass that hurts our children, takes away funding for our schools, and repeatedly targets marginalized communities. I have listened as more restrictive, more harmful laws have been presented. It is time to stop watching and listening as Utahns are harmed and get involved to show the nation that we are not beholden to national political whims at the expense of our citizens. It is time to show the nation what it looks like to be a strong, functional state that supports its citizens.

My smalltown upbringing has shaped me into a hardworking and resourceful individual. My parents owned and operated a family business until the economic recession of the 1980s forced them to close their doors. Putting care for the community over their own business’ financial stability, they extended credit to customers who were struggling until they shut down. Despite this setback, my father, a master electrician, found work at a local hardware store and worked his way up to floor manager. My mother worked as a valued asset in the office of a local factory. I saw their unwavering determination and tenacity and learned the importance of perseverance and dedication.

I moved my family to Southern Utah because we love the mountains and the area's natural beauty. I have developed a deep love for Iron County, and would be honored to be chosen

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?

FREEDOM

The legislature should expand personal freedoms, not remove them. I will work to rescind legislation that has removed personal freedoms from women and families. I will work to create legislation that guarantees liberties, so long as they do not adversely impact another person's freedom or safety.EDUCATION

The legislature should be doing everything necessary to improve education for our children. I will work to undo efforts made to restrict access to literature and inclusion for all. I will work to create legislation that enables students to succeed without governmental impediments.GOVERNMENT FOR THE PEOPLE

Our legislature should be working to support our citizens. Not to take on culture wars for the political gains of those elected. I will focus on legislation that helps our people, not growing my political clout at the expense of those whom I represent.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Outside of my main messages, I am also very focused the unhoused population, ensuring our kids have food and housing, and government transparency.

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

Elected officials should be accessible - willing to listen to voters and not just sending form responses to those who contact them. They should be transparent - willing to explain why they present legislation and why they vote the way they vote. And they should be able to balance the current wants and needs of the citizenry with an understanding of where our state and country will be in the future, always focused on making Utah better.

What legacy would you like to leave?

When people look back on my life, I want it to be said that I fought for those who couldn't fight for themselves, that I loved my family, and that I raised my kids to be strong citizens who are willing to fight for their rights and the rights of others.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Center for Freethought Equality

The Utah Veterans Democratic Caucus

Utah Parents for Teachers

Women's Democratic Club of Utah