Braden Hess, Senate District 7 candidate, prioritizes judge vetting, tax cuts and market-led housing

Braden Hess, a Republican running for Utah Senate District 7, told a Davis County Conservatives forum that his top priorities would be stricter vetting of judges, tax reform and cuts, and letting market forces address housing affordability.

Hess, who identified himself as a convention‑only candidate and said he graduated from Utah State and the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Law, said he left a nonpartisan legislative legal job to run because he wanted to participate fully in partisan politics. "I want to vet judges more thoroughly," he said, citing concerns raised after Proposition 4. He added, "I want to lower and reform our taxes," saying governments collect more revenue than needed and should reduce burdens that disincentivize earning and property ownership.

Hess framed housing affordability as a problem caused by government intervention and subsidies for high‑density projects. "We're subsidizing these highdensity housing units," he said, arguing public infrastructure districts and other arrangements can shift costs to counties and property owners while benefitting developers. He described his approach as restoring free‑market dynamics rather than expanding government programs.

On campaign method, Hess said he is running as a caucus‑convention candidate because he believes signature gathering advantages wealthy campaigns and that delegates can better vet candidates through in‑depth conversations. "The caucus convention system is superior to gathering signatures in virtually every way," he said, adding that convention delegates often spend 20–30 minutes with candidates.

Asked about incumbent Senate leadership, Hess said he challenged Stuart Adams because he believes some long‑serving leaders have too much control and that turnover is necessary. "He's done a lot of good things too…but it's time for new blood," Hess said, noting concerns about leadership blocking bills and creating an environment where new members struggle to pass measures.

Hess also described personal background and local ties: he said he was born in Leighton, raised in the county, practices estate planning and business formation law, works as a part‑time realtor, and has four sons. He emphasized ongoing engagement with delegates and voters as a guard against losing his stated positions if elected.

The interview was conducted by Davis County Conservatives and included questions from multiple members. Hess remains a convention‑only candidate in the race for Senate District 7; no formal actions or votes resulted from the recorded session.