“As a Republican delegate, a public school teacher, and mother of five adult children, my priority is our community's future. Like many in House District 44, I am deeply concerned with the direction we are heading. Constituents are speaking out: teachers asking to be heard rather than targeted by top-down legislation, young families priced out of housing, taxpayers watching state tax shifts drive up local property taxes, and residents focused on securing our water supply. Yet, too often, our voices are ignored. Taking a phone call isn't the same as actually listening, especially when predetermined positions and national political narratives take priority over local voices.

There comes a time to look beyond party labels. District 44 needs a leader who answers to us: not party leadership, big out-of-state donors, or developer interests. We need a representative focused on practical local solutions, not political careerism. We cannot keep doing the same things and expecting different results.

When I met Jess Birtcher, I found a leader who actually listens. He is pragmatic, moderate, and fiercely committed to public education and local control. He isn't driven by partisan agendas, but by practical solutions that put people over politics. That is the exact kind of leadership House District 44 needs.”

 “I have known Jess for a number of years and have a tremendous amount of respect for him. I am a staunch Republican and over the past 30 years have assisted many Republicans in their election and re-election campaigns including being Governor Norm Bangerter’s re-election campaign supervisor along with being his Chief of Staff. I am now supporting Jess Birtcher, a moderate Democrat running for Utah Legislature in House District 44 due to Jess’ remarkable ability to get along with folks from all walks of life. Jess will be able to work every effectively with both Democrats and Republicans in the Legislature assuring our District is well represented and has a voice in the legislature. Very few people enjoy the ability to work as well with folks on all sides of important issues as does Jess. I hope you will join me in supporting Jess in his bid for a seat in the Utah Legislature.”

  "We support Jess Birtcher for House District 44 because we are confident Jess has unique skills in resolving contentious issues between people. With that unique skill, Jess, if elected, would be able to bring Utah's two major parties together on legislative issues in order to serve the people of Utah."

 "I have known Jess for six years and have come to respect his reputation and character. Integrity is not merely a campaign word for Jess--it is how he has conducted his personal and professional life. For most of my adult life, I was a conservative Republican. Today, I am an Independent--less interested in party labels than in supporting capable leaders who will listen, work across the aisle, and deliver results. I am convinced Jess is that kind of leader. Jess will listen before he legislates. He possesses the integrity, judgment, and collaborative temperament our Legislature urgently needs."

"I have known Jess for over 25 years as a friend and neighbor. I like that he has quite conservative values, but thinks critically and evaluates ideas based on reason and merit; not just a strict ideology or currently popular memes. He also has a big heart and cares deeply about people and country. We need a thoughtful person that doesn't have conflicting business interests, but is a solid citizen."

  “Having worked alongside Jess for years, I’ve seen firsthand how he brings high-impact leadership without ever needing to dominate the room the airspace, or another person. He has a rare ability to quietly bridge divides, listen deeply, and create momentum. He’s someone who will work for you no matter your party. He’ll focus on the problem to solve over personal interest and has the grit to stick with hard things.”

  “Jess is a first-time candidate, but he’s already showing the qualities I believe make a great leader. He listens, he works hard, he cares about people, and most importantly, he shows up. You don’t have to be a career politician to be a great public servant. Sometimes the best people to step up are the ones who simply see a need in their community and say, “I’m willing to help. That’s Jess.”

"I knew my noisy first born would eagerly embrace life when he arrived 8 weeks early. As a toddler Jess determined to investigate and master matches and soccer. He’s a dedicated father and community volunteer who is aware of the many challenges of Utahns and committed to helping us by electing him to the legislature. Integrity defines him!" (thanks Mom!)

 “I am proud to offer my personal endorsement of Jess Birtcher. Jess is more than someone I respect—he is a friend I trust. Over the years, Jess and I have worked shoulder to shoulder in community service, and I have seen his character, leadership, and commitment to others firsthand. He brings steady judgement, strong family values, and a sincere desire to serve. Jess listens carefully, takes concerns seriously, and follows through on his commitments. I am a registered Republican, but when it comes to public office, I look for people I can trust to serve with integrity and put the community first. That is why I support Jess Birtcher 100%.”

 “I’m proud to support Jess Birtcher’s campaign for HD44. We’re facing serious challenges in our world, and our community needs a leader who is willing to listen and respond to what matters most to the people they represent. Jess is that type of leader. As a mother, business owner, and psychologist, I’m looking forward to having someone represent me who will properly support education, healthcare access, and affordability in our community.

"Jess is my older brother, and throughout my life I have looked to him as an example of the kind of person I want to be. Sometimes, especially in sports, people use the term “little brother” as a derogatory term. I am honored to be the little brother to a man of integrity and high moral character. Jess has achieved much in his life, but more importantly, he is a good person. A man who reserves judgement until he completely understands another’s viewpoint. He genuinely seeks to understand before being understood.

Jess and his exceptional wife Cassie are kind and generous people. They have constantly opened their home to people in need. They are generous with their time and resources. I have long admired their resolve as they face life challenges, and have found their example to be inspirational as I face the life decisions that affect my family.

I was a registered Republican most of my life but became independent as I grew frustrated with the direction and tenor of that party. Most of all, I find lack of compromise, or a failure to find common ground to be that which stalls progress. My religious conviction has led me to seek candidates who have this ability, and who seek to represent diverse opinions. I happily departed from voting a party line, and raised my choices to those who are honorable people who can best represent my community as a whole. Jess is that kind of man!

P.S. I advise you avoid sherbet at the victory party."