Monument Valley native Davina Smith ramps up campaign for Utah House District 69

By Robert Bettis
Navajo Times

WINDOW ROCK

Davina Smith, a longtime community advocate and resident of southeastern Utah, is seeking support for the Utah House of Representatives in District 69.

This is Smith’s second bid for Utah’s House District 69. She ran in 2022 against Utah Rep. Phil Lyman who is running as a write-in candidate for Utah governor after Gov. Spencer Cox beat him in the primary.

Smith, who is Táchii’nii and born for Tábąąhá, seeks to represent the people of this diverse rural district, bringing an Indigenous perspective to the state’s legislative process. She is the daughter of Roy and Darlene Smith.

During a recent interview, Smith emphasized her deep-rooted connection to the area and her commitment to ensuring that every voice in District 69 is heard. “I’m running because the majority of these bills proposed don’t even support our rural communities,” Smith said. “Specifically for our Navajo people – my hope is that I will be that voice to make sure our communities are spoken for.”

If elected as a state representative, her primary job will be to propose, debate, and vote on bills that can become state laws. Despite a notable Native population of 60,000 people, Utah has historically experienced a significant lack of Native voices in the house. Along with 74 other representatives from other districts in Utah, she – if elected – will be part of the team that is responsible for deciding the law of the land for all citizens of Utah.

Smith’s platform focuses on several key issues that she believes are crucial to the future of her district. Chief among them is her dedication to advocating for underrepresented areas in southern Utah. As a member of the Navajo Nation, Smith has been a vocal advocate for the best interests of rural communities. She expressed concerns about the ongoing environmental challenges faced by the district, especially in terms of water management, public lands, and renewable energy.

“It’s not just about today but about future generations,” she noted, explaining that sustainability will be a cornerstone of her campaign.

In addition to her environmental stance, Smith is passionate about expanding educational opportunities in rural Utah. She believes that “our rural schools and teachers deserve to be invested in.” Smith hopes to address the gaps in funding and access to educational programs, particularly for underserved communities in rural areas.

“Rural communities are suffering most from the fact that Utah ranks last in the country in per pupil spending,” she said.

Smith’s career in public health also informs her approach to addressing health care issues in the district. She has seen how many rural families struggle to access affordable healthcare, and she wants to advocate for policies that provide a healthy environment for people. “I will fight to make health care more affordable, increase awareness on Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, and advocate for safe and healthy environments for families.”

As a home-grown candidate for public office, Smith’s grassroots campaign has already gained momentum. She’s drawing on her connections with local community groups and leaders to build a broad coalition of supporters.

Smith’s candidacy comes at a time when Utah’s rural communities are facing significant challenges, from environmental factors to economic uncertainty. However, she remains hopeful about the future and wants to remind people that we should work together to both honor our past and protect our future. “We are the same people, and grew up in the same community,” she said.

The election for Utah House District 69 will take place in November 2024. Smith will be counting on people’s vote to ensure she is elected, but she encourages everyone to vote, no matter who one supports. “I hear your frustrations, and I encourage you to register and to definitely vote,” she said.

With a focus on Native representation, education, and health care, Davina Smith’s campaign is centered on empowering rural Utah and fostering a sense of community togetherness.

This article has been edited lightly and updated for clarity on Oct. 19, 2024.

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