Tracie Yellowman Tso ~ Candidate for Utah House of Representatives, District 69
My name is Tracie Yellowman Tso. I am Diné, originally from Diwoozhi Bikoh (Near old Hatch Trading Post) in San Juan County. I am Bitahnii (Within His Cover), born for Tłʼááshchíʼí (Red Cheeks People). My maternal grandparents are Táchiinii (Red Running Into the Water People), and my paternal grandparents are Hashtłʼishnii (Mud People).
My children, family, and traditional values are of importance. I am a skilled pipe welder, a community advocate, and a Master of Public Health student at the University of Utah.
I am running for the Utah House of Representatives because I believe our rural and tribal communities need a strong, informed, and accessible voice at the State Capitol, someone who understands our challenges and brings the experiences of working families into decisions that affect our lives.
My family roots are deeply connected to San Juan County, where our land, water, culture, and traditions have shaped who I am. Growing up in a rural community, I understand the challenges of traveling long distances for healthcare, education, employment, and essential services. Having also lived and worked in urban Utah, I recognize the differences in access to resources and opportunities and the importance of ensuring rural communities are considered in statewide decisions.
For more than 23 years, I have worked in blue-collar industries, including industrial construction and pipe welding. I understand the value of skilled labor, safe working conditions, and industries that support our families. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Health and Kinesiology, emphasizing Health Education and Promotion, and am pursuing my Master of Public Health. These experiences have strengthened my understanding of how economic stability, infrastructure, public safety, and community health are connected.
San Juan County faces important challenges that require continued attention and collaboration.
Water access remains a priority, particularly in remote communities where reliable household water infrastructure is limited. Roads, transportation, and emergency preparedness are equally important. Recent flooding and wildfires, including the Babylon Fire, have demonstrated the need for stronger emergency communication, evacuation planning, road access, and coordinated response and recovery efforts.
Public safety is another priority. Every family deserves to feel safe and protected, regardless of where they live. I want to strengthen government-to-government relationships among tribal nations and county, state, and federal agencies while respecting tribal sovereignty and jurisdictional responsibilities. Improving collaboration among law enforcement, emergency responders, public health agencies, and community leaders is essential to addressing jurisdictional challenges, preventing crime, protecting vulnerable populations, and building trust.
Rural healthcare continues to present challenges, including long travel distances for specialty care, maternal healthcare, and emergency services. I want to support stronger healthcare systems, workforce development, and improved access to providers and telehealth.
Our youth deserve opportunities to learn, grow, and build their futures close to home. Supporting rural schools, educators, childcare providers, youth programs, career and technical education, and skilled-trade apprenticeships is an investment in the future of our communities.
Economic development must recognize the contributions of our farmers, ranchers, energy workers, skilled tradespeople, small businesses, and tourism industries. San Juan County has a long history of uranium mining and resource development, which has supported local employment while also raising important environmental, health, and safety concerns. As existing operations continue and new mining claims and proposals emerge, I believe careful critical environmental, public health, and worker safety assessments are essential. Meaningful consultation with tribal nations, local governments, and residents must be part of these discussions, along with transparency and accountability throughout the process. Supporting good-paying jobs and workforce development should go hand in hand with protecting our workers, families, water resources, and land for future generations.
San Juan County is home to Bears Ears National Monument and lands of deep cultural, historical, recreational, and economic significance. Decisions affecting these places must include meaningful participation from tribal nations, local governments, and residents whose lives and livelihoods are connected to the land. Protecting cultural resources while considering responsible economic opportunities requires listening to the communities most affected.
Although San Juan County is my home, House District 69 also includes Grand, Kane, Garfield, Wayne, and portions of Emery County. Each community has its own history, industries, and priorities. Through my travels across the district, I have heard concerns about water, healthcare, housing, childcare, public lands, infrastructure, and economic opportunities. I recognize that solutions must reflect the different needs of the communities we serve.
I do not claim to have every answer. I believe effective representation begins with listening, building relationships, and working together to find practical and meaningful solutions.
I want to be a strong voice at the State Capitol for our rural and tribal communities, ensuring their experiences and concerns are part of the decisions that shape our future.
My commitment is to bring our voices together, and work toward stronger, safer, and healthier communities throughout House District 69.
Learn more at www.tracieforutah.com.