Steve Eliason

Steven 'Steve' Eliason is an American politician and a Republican member of the Utah House of Representatives representing District 43, which covers a part of southern Salt Lake County.

Representative Eliason routinely passes the most legislation of any member of the Utah legislature. He has been recognized as a nationwide leader on issues related to mental health and suicide prevention, homelessness, and tax policy.

Early life and career Born May 26, Eliason earned his BS in accounting and his MBA from the University of Utah. He currently works as a senior director at the University of Utah Hospital. He has lived in Sandy, Cottonwood Heights, and Midvale for all of his adult life.

Political career

Representative Eliason represents a district won by Democratic nominees for President in 2016, 2020, and 2024. Despite the leftward tilt of the district, he has significant numbers of crossover voters in his bids for re-election.

2024 In the 2024 general election, Steve Eliason defeated Democrat Jason Barber, receiving 55.8% of the vote to Barber's 44.2%.

2022 Steve Eliason advanced from the Republican Convention. In the general election, he defeated Democrat Alan Anderson 57.2% to 42.8%.

2020 Eliason advanced from the Republican convention in 2020. He defeated Democrat Wendy Davis, earning 50.2% of the vote to Davis' 49.8%.

2018 Eliason ran unopposed in the 2018 general election.

2016 Elian ran unopposed in the 2016 Republican Primary. He defeated Democrat Nikki Cunard in the general election, earning 55.08% of the vote to Cunard's 44.92%.

2014 Eliason was unopposed for the June 24, 2014 Republican Primary and won the November 4, 2014 General election with 4,908 votes (58.2%) against Democratic nominee Susan Marques Booth.

2012 Eliason was unopposed for the June 26, 2012 Republican Primary and won the November 6, 2012 General election with 8,048 votes (55.4%) against Democratic nominee Gary Forbush.

2010 To challenge incumbent Democratic Representative Laura Black, Eliason was unopposed for the June 22, 2010 Republican Primary and won the three-way November 2, 2010 General election with 4,198 votes (51.4%) against Representative Black and Constitution candidate David Perry, who had run for the seat in 2008.

Notable Legislation

Bill number Title Status Year HB0413 Student Mental Health Amendments Governor Signed 2024 HB0038 Psychotropic Medication Oversight Pilot Program Amendments Governor Signed 2024 SB0027 Behavioral Health System Amendments Governor Signed 2024 HB0071 SafeUT and School Safety Amendments Governor Signed 2024 HB0023 Forensic Mental Health Amendments Governor Signed 2023 HB0499 Behavioral Health Crisis Response Amendments Governor Signed 2023 HB0066 School Mental Health Amendments Governor Signed 2023 HCR006 Concurrent Resolution on School Mental Health Governor Signed 2023 HB0001 Public Education Base Budget Governor Signed 2022 HB0236 Mental Health Professional Loan Repayment Program Governor Signed 2022 HB0440 Utah Mental Health Crisis Line Amendments Governor Signed 2022 HB0396 Youth Mental Health Program Amendments Governor Signed 2022 HB0046 Suicide Prevention Program Amendments Governor Signed 2021 HB0336 School-Based Behavioral Health Programs Governor Signed 2021 HB0337 Expansion of Behavioral Health Services Governor Signed 2021 HB0093 Behavioral Health Delivery System Amendments Governor Signed 2021 SB0155 Behavioral Health Crisis Response Funding Governor Signed 2021 SB0093 Mental Health Access Amendments Governor Signed 2020 HB0459 School Counselor Amendments Governor Signed 2020 HB0207 Child Mental Health Amendments Governor Signed 2020 HB0323 Suicide Prevention in Schools Amendments Governor Signed 2020 HB0017 Suicide Prevention Modifications Governor Signed 2019 HB0373 School Mental Health and Safety Amendments Governor Signed 2019

Committee Memberships Representative Steve Eliason is a member of the following committees: House Health and Human Services Committee House Revenue and Taxation Committee Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee School Security Task Force

Official Utah House of Representatives Profile

Awards Representative Eliason has been recognized for various leadership awards throughout the state.

Elected Official of the Year – Canyons School District

Outstanding Legislator Award – Utah Association of Public Health Boards

Mental Health Champion Legislative Award – Mental Health America

Friend of the Taxpayer – Utah Taxpayers Association

Public Health Hero – Utah Public Health Association

Executive Award of Merit – Utah Department of Public Safety

Allies in Action Award – American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Business Champion Award – Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce