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 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 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 against Representative Black and Constitution candidate David Perry, who had run for the seat in 2008.

Notable Legislation

Bill NumberTitleStatusYear
Student Mental Health AmendmentsGovernor Signed2024
Psychotropic Medication Oversight Pilot Program AmendmentsGovernor Signed2024
Behavioral Health System AmendmentsGovernor Signed2024
SafeUT and School Safety AmendmentsGovernor Signed2024
Forensic Mental Health AmendmentsGovernor Signed2023
Behavioral Health Crisis Response AmendmentsGovernor Signed2023
School Mental Health AmendmentsGovernor Signed2023
Concurrent Resolution on School Mental HealthGovernor Signed2023
Public Education Base BudgetGovernor Signed2022
Mental Health Professional Loan Repayment ProgramGovernor Signed2022
Utah Mental Health Crisis Line AmendmentsGovernor Signed2022
Youth Mental Health Program AmendmentsGovernor Signed2022
Suicide Prevention Program AmendmentsGovernor Signed2021
School-Based Behavioral Health ProgramsGovernor Signed2021
Expansion of Behavioral Health ServicesGovernor Signed2021
Behavioral Health Delivery System AmendmentsGovernor Signed2021
Behavioral Health Crisis Response FundingGovernor Signed2021
Mental Health Access AmendmentsGovernor Signed2020
School Counselor AmendmentsGovernor Signed2020
Child Mental Health AmendmentsGovernor Signed2020
Suicide Prevention in Schools AmendmentsGovernor Signed2020
Suicide Prevention ModificationsGovernor Signed2019
School Mental Health and Safety AmendmentsGovernor Signed2019

Committee Memberships

Representative Steve Eliason is a member of the following committees:

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