5 candidates face off in Salt Lake City's District 3 race

• The district is comprised of the Avenues, Capitol Hill, Federal Heights, Guadalupe and Marmalade.

The big picture: Known for its single-family homes, the area is seeing a surge in apartment construction amid rising demand for affordable housing.

By the numbers: Wharton, an attorney, leads in fundraising with over $95,000, per campaign finance filings.

• McClary, a software executive, has raised $27,052, while Huntsman-Hernández has raised $25,763.
• Seastrand, a judicial assistant, has collected $795, and Berg, a health care staffer, $677.

How it works: Axios Salt Lake City asked each of the candidates a set of questions about the key issues facing District 3 ahead of the Nov. 4 election.

Their answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

David Berg

1. What professional or community experience makes you believe you're the best candidate to represent your district?

30+ years as a grassroots organizer including: health care worker for the unhoused, Utah Civics Literacy Project founder, civil rights work with Brian Barnard & ACLU, [Greater Avenues Community Council] board member.

2. Housing affordability remains a top concern in Salt Lake City. What specific policies or tools would you support to keep lower housing and rent costs for residents?

I'll redefine "affordable" using the [Federal Poverty Level], not AMI; ban rental and junk fees, and build publicly owned housing to ensure long-term affordability for SLC residents.

3. Tensions between the state and Salt Lake City have flared in past legislative sessions. What's your strategy for ensuring the city's interests are represented effectively on Capitol Hill?

I'll build on my longstanding bipartisan relationships through honest, regular and face-to-face engagement — ensuring SLC's values are heard and advanced in the Legislature.

4. What's one hidden gem in your district that you love and want to tell everyone about?

Warm Springs is my favorite hidden gem — once a vibrant destination, now neglected. I'll prioritize full restoration to make it an SLC community treasure again.

5. Describe your leadership style in one word.

Principled

Liddy Huntsman-Hernández

1. What professional or community experience makes you believe you're the best candidate to represent your district?

Since age 7, I've turned struggle into policy — securing Medicaid insulin coverage and founding Bag of Hope (5,000+ patients annually). Police Foundation board work revealed community safety gaps. Family foundation showed why mental health systems struggle: no communication. Comedy taught humility to hear unexpected perspectives.

2. Housing affordability remains a top concern in Salt Lake City. What specific policies or tools would you support to keep lower housing and rent costs for residents?

• Streamline permits (eight months to weeks);
• Reform HTRZ for family-sized units;
• Expand ADUs with owner-occupancy protections;
• Convert public land into affordable housing.

3. Tensions between the state and Salt Lake City have flared in past legislative sessions. What's your strategy for ensuring the city's interests are represented effectively on Capitol Hill?

Unaffiliated means no party loyalty tests. Lead with neighbors' stories, not ideology. Build bridges, not battle lines.

4. What's one hidden gem in your district that you love and want to tell everyone about?

Fruit trees with "help yourself" signs. Neighbors sharing without expecting anything back. That generosity defines District 3.

5. Describe your leadership style in one word.

Fearless

Blake McClary

1. What professional or community experience makes you believe you're the best candidate to represent your district?

I'm a software executive and [Greater Avenues Community Council] board member focused on getting results. Professionally, I've built products for millions of users, led cross-functional teams, and balanced real budgets. On the GACC, I've managed the finances. I know how to listen, prioritize and deliver.

2. Housing affordability remains a top concern in Salt Lake City. What specific policies or tools would you support to keep lower housing and rent costs for residents?

Cut permit times, build family-sized townhomes on the LDS Hospital site for less than $500,000.

3. Tensions between the state and Salt Lake City have flared in past legislative sessions. What's your strategy for ensuring the city's interests are represented effectively on Capitol Hill?

Lead with relationships, not press conferences. Build trust and show up prepared.

4. What's one hidden gem in your district that you love and want to tell everyone about?

4th Ave. Park

5. Describe your leadership style in one word.

Pragmatic

Jake Seastrand

1. What professional or community experience makes you believe you're the best candidate to represent your district?

As a small business owner and five-year judicial assistant, I blend fiscal responsibility with unique insight into city ordinances and administrative efficiency.

2. Housing affordability remains a top concern in Salt Lake City. What specific policies or tools would you support to keep lower housing and rent costs for residents?

Promote gentle density ownership (townhomes, duplexes, ADUs) by streamlining permits and zoning. I will require rent-capped units for families earning 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or less.

3. Tensions between the state and Salt Lake City have flared in past legislative sessions. What's your strategy for ensuring the city's interests are represented effectively on Capitol Hill?

I favor proactive, year-round legislative lobbying. We'll find common ground on housing, air quality and the Great Salt Lake to secure critical state funding.

4. What's one hidden gem in your district that you love and want to tell everyone about?

The quiet, winding trails connecting the Avenues to the Bonneville Shoreline. This spot proves we must prioritize conservation and public access over development.

5. Describe your leadership style in one word.

Principled

Chris Wharton

1. What professional or community experience makes you believe you're the best candidate to represent your district?

As an attorney and small business owner, I have the skills and experience to tackle challenges, deliver results and advocate for our district's best interests.

• As a sixth-generation Salt Laker, I feel a deep responsibility to ensure our city remains a place where families, businesses and communities can grow and succeed.

2. Housing affordability remains a top concern in Salt Lake City. What specific policies or tools would you support to keep lower housing and rent costs for residents?

I'll build upon the affordable housing investments I've already secured on the Council and continue to prioritize keeping costs down.

3. Tensions between the state and Salt Lake City have flared in past legislative sessions. What's your strategy for ensuring the city's interests are represented effectively on Capitol Hill?

Strengthening existing partnerships and working for residents to maintain local control.

4. What's one hidden gem in your district that you love and want to tell everyone about?

I love the City Cemetery. So many fascinating figures and stories there.

5. Describe your leadership style in one word.

Experienced