Katherine Nicholson
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Katherine Nicholson (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Utah House of Representatives to represent District 18. She lost in the general election on November 3, 2020.
Nicholson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Katherine Nicholson was born in Las Vegas, Nevada. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Utah in 1995. Her professional experience includes working as a substitute teacher in the Davis School District, for the YWCA in the Teen Home Program, and as a social worker for the Utah Division of Child and Family Services. Nicholson has been affiliated with the Northern Utah GLSEN board, Davis County Democrats, the ERA Coalition, Black Lives Matter Ally Education for Northern Utah, and the Davis County Democrats Women's Caucus.[1]
Elections
2020
See also: Utah House of Representatives elections, 2020
General election
General election for Utah House of Representatives District 18
Incumbent Timothy Hawkes defeated Katherine Nicholson in the general election for Utah House of Representatives District 18 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Timothy Hawkes (R) | 72.9 | 17,281 |
 | Katherine Nicholson (D)  | 27.1 | 6,431 | |
| Total votes: 23,712 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic convention
Democratic convention for Utah House of Representatives District 18
Katherine Nicholson advanced from the Democratic convention for Utah House of Representatives District 18 on April 25, 2020.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | | Katherine Nicholson (D) |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican convention
Republican convention for Utah House of Representatives District 18
Incumbent Timothy Hawkes advanced from the Republican convention for Utah House of Representatives District 18 on April 25, 2020.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | | Timothy Hawkes (R) |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign themes
2020
Video for Ballotpedia
| Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released July 27, 2020 |
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Katherine Nicholson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Nicholson's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I am a 53 year old mom with five kids. My husband Allen owns a trucking business and we have lived here in Bountiful/Centerville area since early 2000. I have made Utah my home since 1988. I graduated from University of Utah with my bachelors in family studies and worked for the state for a number of years as a social service worker. I've also worked at the YWCA and Murray School District. I'm active in the LGBTQIA community, and am an advocate and ally. I have been a single mother. I have an autistic child and a transgender child, and through these trials I gained much insight in learning to love differences in the human race. I'm anxious to serve my community. I find that too many legislators in Utah treat their job as a side hobby to further their own business or business contacts. Serving in government should not be self serving. This past legislative session showed me the huge divide between lawmakers and citizens. Women's and minority voices are not heard in Utah politics. We have very high morals, ethics and values in Utah, it is time to ensure that our government has those same ideals. My future vision for Utah is a strong economy, an inclusive community, strong neighborhood schools, and a great place to raise a family. I would love to see more diversity in our communities. It is important that we are sensitive to all voices that need to be heard. For these reasons I wanted to run for office. I'm a mom, a social worker and someone that wants Utah to be an example!
- Education is very important to me. I would not cut funds to our schools that need money in this time of COVID. We must invest in Teacher pay to be competitive, smaller classrooms, and more training for special education.
- Equal rights for all citizens. Right now Utah is number 1 in the nation for gender pay gap. LGBTQIA + organizations have tried to get policies passed to ensure equal rights and have been stopped by lawmakers that are more in step with special interests and lobbyists than their own citizens. I would love to make our area more enticing for minorities so Utah is not so segregated.
- The environment is very important to me. I support the green deal and making Northern Utah more livable in the winter. Our state has some of the worst air quality in the nation and that is very concerning. I also think that we need to keep a very close eye on the nuclear waste that is stored in our state.
Government reform, I am running because I want to be part of the solution. I do not believe in career politicians. Too many politicians get into this industry for the financial gain, or to promote their own business.Too many legislators get their proposed bills from the Eagle Forum, or from ALEC. Propositions that were approved by voters are turned into something unrecognizable.I also see the need for continued support for our citizens health. Medicaid expansion, and making sure all citizens are covered for health, dental and mental health. When citizens are healthy they can contribute. During this time of health crisis, we must support each other, and make sure that all people have access to needed health care. Non insured medical care gets passed to everyone, so even if you don't believe in helping your neighbor, one way or another you will be paying for it. I am fiercely passionate in regards to education. I don't believe that the US or Utah is prepared for the economy of the future. We need innovative new ways to educate our future generations. Today's students are sophisticated and savvy. Education needs to stay in step with our youth. Currently our state is one of the last in per ratio spending per student. This clearly is unacceptable. Our teachers are underpaid, and have too many students. The money needs to go to teachers, and children, not administration. More people like me, a mom, need to be more involved in the government. We can be the change we seek!
I really look up to Alice Stokes Paul. She was an American suffragist, a feminist, and a women's rights activist. I think I admire her so much because she had so much grit and resolve. She suffered greatly for equal rights for women to be able to vote. She was incarcerated and she started a hunger strike. When the politicians heard about the hunger strike they told the prison to force the women to eat. The prison guards made a device that parted the women's mouths and shoved food down the device into their stomachs. Alice would throw up any food given to her. Alice authored the ERA an amendment that guarantees women have equal rights constitutionally. The ERA still has not been passed. Alice passed away in the 1970's without seeing the ERA ratified. No matter the set back she never gave up. Wouldn't it be awesome for our daughters and granddaughters to have that assurance that constitutionally they have the same rights as anyone else.
My philosophy is just to be fair, and maintain as much individual freedom as possible. Last years round of lawmaking was extremely disturbing with Republicans trying to interfere with many peoples basic freedoms. This cannot happen, and we need to be vigilant in fighting this problem. The tax payers pay for the Legislators wages. If they are doing a bad job we can fire them. This philosophy I come by is through real life, not a book, essay or film. I also love the book by Stephen A Schwartz The 8 Laws of Change: How to Be an Agent of Personal and Social Transformation. It includes ways for communities to affect social change for the greater good.
The first characteristic I feel is most important is someone who can feel empathy and can put themselves in someone else's shoes. I also think that someone who wants to serve their community, a person that has the time to dedicate to the job of legislature. Many elected officials treat the office of legislature as a part time job. They miss votes and important meetings because they full time careers. I also feel many get into the position because it furthers their full time career. I want Legislators to be more active in meeting with voters, being held responsible to voters. Transparency is important. There is little transparency in Utah Government giving contracts to family or friends. Big business donating to lawmakers for favors in legislation. This is why political reform is very important to me.
I think that I would be an excellent Legislator. I am very attune to the situations around me and what the average voter wants. I have been very disturbed by the lack of empathy and disconnect to the everyday voter in elected officials. I also feel there are too many men that are deciding rules and laws for women without consulting women on what they want. Today's Utah Legislator looks like White Men, and I think it is time for women to step up to let their voices be heard. I want individual rights to be restored, and for our lawmakers to have some empathy for what every day people go through.
Core responsibilities are making laws. Being aware of how laws will impact families. Responsible for the budget, and making sure that funds go where they need to go. I also believe that a core responsibility is always being aware of corruption. Being open to change, meeting with families to stay in touch with the needs of the voters.
My reason for running and the legacy I want to leave are the same. I want to leave this world better than I found it, and to leave this earth a safer more caring place for my children.
I remember the Vietnam War. We would go visit my grandparents on Sunday. My grandfather would listen to the news. I remember asking my mom about what was on the TV. It definitely left an impression. I never wanted anyone to ever go to war. It really was a heavy thing for a child to bear. As I grew older, I realized at times war is necessary. I also realized how some leaders can manipulate wars for greed or power, and we the people are the ones to suffer. The older I am I realize those in other countries want the same things as we do. We love our families, our country, and we all want happiness. I hope that we learn our lessons from war, and are very cautious in getting into one.
My first job was when I was 13. I started my own business. I made up flyers for babysitting and house cleaning. I took the flyer to friends, neighbors and anyone else I thought would hire me! It was hard work, but I made about 300.00$ that summer! I was able to pay for a really nice wardrobe for school that fall. (you know priorities) My first real job after getting my bachelors degree was as a social service worker for the state of Utah.
My favorite book right now is, Little Fires Everywhere, a novel by Celeste Ng. It is a tale of two women's journeys and how they intersect with the weight of secrets, and the ferocity of motherhood.
If I could be any fictional character it would be Hermoine Granger. Without Hermoine Harry would have died in the first book! Seriously, maybe it's because she is so good at magic!
I'm a kitty kitty, its an annoying fort nite jingle that my son is playing as I type this. I always sing I'm a pretty kitty and it kind of drives him crazy.
I have had many struggles that I had to come to terms with. Being a young single mom on assistance with an autistic child. Raising kids with learning disabilities, various mental health needs, and a boy on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. I really don't see these struggles as a barrier, they really taught me how to be more loving and giving to everyone. I learned that in this life all we need to do is be the best we can be. Supporting each other non judgmentally, loving each other beyond our differences.
Local government has a few deficits. Local state house, and senate are part time positions. They may have to miss a vote because of their full time work. State government also has limited time and resources to get things done. It is important to know what the full time job is of your state reps. Are they using their opportunity to serve in government to make laws that favor their business? Will it bother you if your representative misses sessions or voting on laws?
I think it would be helpful in a negative way. I definitely think more everyday people need to get involved in government. I feel like someone like myself is more in tune with voters, and honestly want to serve their communities.
The population influx, housing and education will be very important. I also think that we have seen the importance for a strong centers for disease control, and policies and procedures for outbreaks. Medical and mental health care are essential in keeping people active and fully engaged in society. Having healthy citizens will benefit all of us. Education and keeping up with the demands of a growing state, and a growing population. Additionally, I am greatly troubled by the gerrymandering that is happening in our state. I believe everyone's voice and vote should count. Right now the way we do redistricting is not in voters best interests.
I believe that the governor should be overseeing the state. He is responsible for the well being of the citizens in his state. This comes first. The legislature is responsible for laws which then get signed or not signed by the governor. The relationship should be strictly professional. There should be no favors for legislators that are friends of the governor.
I do believe it is beneficial to have a working relationship with fellow legislators.
I believe that rural voices need rural representation. Urban voices need Urban representation. I would love to see an independent, unaffiliated committees, citizen boards etc. should be the process for redistricting. I do not believe that districts should be determined by our elected officials. Asking elected officials to choose their own district boundaries is paramount to your 1st grader choosing cake and ice cream for dinner.
I would be perfectly happy to be a part of any committees that need me.
I'm not currently in a leadership position. I would be interested in working in leadership. I think we have seen in Utah with the covid epidemic how vulnerable we are. It has shown us how strong some leaders are, and how weak others became. I would be very interested in leading Utah to make better choices for its citizens.
I am in awe of the strength of Shirley Chisholm. She was so strong. She served not only in local state government but, Congress, and was the first Black Person of Color to run for the democratic Presidential nominee. She was an amazing woman.
Right now I am focusing on this election. It is very important for me to focus on this election and reach my goals for Utah.
In my home town there are people being kicked out of their homes. Many are low income. We are having a housing shortage, and homes are very high. Those living on a fixed income or single moms cannot find housing. This story is only one reason why I'm running. To give a voice to those vulnerable populations.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2020 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 29, 2020
Current members of the Utah House of Representatives
Leadership
Speaker of the House:Mike Schultz
Majority Leader:Casey Snider
Minority Leader:Angela Romero
Representatives
District 1
Thomas Peterson (R)
District 2
Mike Petersen (R)
District 3
Jason Thompson (R)
District 4
Tiara Auxier (R)
District 5
Casey Snider (R)
District 6
Matt Gwynn (R)
District 7
Ryan Wilcox (R)
District 8
Jason Kyle (R)
District 9
Jake Sawyer (R)
District 10
Jill Koford (R)
District 11
Katy Hall (R)
District 12
Mike Schultz (R)
District 13
Karen Peterson (R)
District 14
District 15
Ariel Defay (R)
District 16
Trevor Lee (R)
District 17
Stewart Barlow (R)
District 18
Paul Cutler (R)
District 19
Raymond Ward (R)
District 20
Melissa Ballard (R)
District 21
Sandra Hollins (D)
District 22
District 23
Hoang Nguyen (D)
District 24
Grant Miller (D)
District 25
Angela Romero (D)
District 26
Matt MacPherson (R)
District 27
Anthony Loubet (R)
District 28
Nicholeen Peck (R)
District 29
Bridger Bolinder (R)
District 30
Jake Fitisemanu (D)
District 31
Verona Mauga (D)
District 32
Sahara Hayes (D)
District 33
Doug Owens (D)
District 34
Carol Moss (D)
District 35
District 36
Jim Dunnigan (R)
District 37
Ashlee Matthews (D)
District 38
Cheryl Acton (R)
District 39
Ken Ivory (R)
District 40
Andrew Stoddard (D)
District 41
Gay Lynn Bennion (D)
District 42
Clint Okerlund (R)
District 43
Steven Eliason (R)
District 44
Jordan Teuscher (R)
District 45
Tracy Miller (R)
District 46
Cal Roberts (R)
District 47
Mark Strong (R)
District 48
Doug Fiefia (R)
District 49
Candice Pierucci (R)
District 50
District 51
Leah Hansen (R)
District 52
Cory Maloy (R)
District 53
District 54
Kristen Chevrier (R)
District 55
Jon Hawkins (R)
District 56
Val Peterson (R)
District 57
Nelson Abbott (R)
District 58
District 59
Mike Kohler (R)
District 60
Tyler Clancy (R)
District 61
Lisa Shepherd (R)
District 62
Norman Thurston (R)
District 63
Stephen Whyte (R)
District 64
Jefferson Burton (R)
District 65
Doug Welton (R)
District 66
Troy Shelley (R)
District 67
District 68
Scott Chew (R)
District 69
Logan Monson (R)
District 70
Carl Albrecht (R)
District 71
Rex Shipp (R)
District 72
Joseph Elison (R)
District 73
Colin Jack (R)
District 74
Neil Walter (R)
District 75
Walt Brooks (R)
Republican Party (61)
Democratic Party (14)
