State Senator David Hinkins seeks one more term

State Senator David Hinkins. Photo: Photo: Utah State Senate

WASATCH COUNTY, Utah – Incumbent state Senator David Hinkins is seeking reelection for, perhaps, his last term.

Hinkins, who began his legislative career in 2009, represents parts of Carbon, Emery, Grand, San Juan, Utah, and Wasatch County in the 26th district of the state Senate. Hinkins’s constituency includes Independence, Charleston, Daniel, Center Creek, and other towns in Wasatch County.

If re-elected, the 70-year-old legislator plans to retire from politics following the completion of the next term.

“I still consider myself a young 70, but I don’t want to see myself working in politics at 80, like our President,” Hinkins told the Townlift.

As to why Hinkins is seeking another term, the lawmaker hopes to ensure that rural communities have access to new nuclear power plants.

“I’m still working on trying to keep our power plants running and trying to hopefully get it converted to a nuclear power plant. They’re going to put in five nuclear plants, and I’m just trying to make sure that we stay on the list to get our plants upgraded here,” Hinkins said in reference to his constituency.

“They’re wanting to get away from coal, so we’re trying to make sure that we’re on the list because of the jobs that are associated with it, as well as the infrastructure development.”

In addition to the infrastructure and jobs development that a nuclear power plant would bring, Hinkins wants to ensure that the rural communities he represents have a consistent source of power.

“We just want to make sure we have power at any cost, and I’m afraid that we’re going to start having rolling blackouts if we don’t do something here soon,” Hinkins said.

Hinkins currently serves on the Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee and the Education Committee.

In a previous term, Hinkins helped secure $220 million in funding from the federal government for the Navajo Reservation in San Juan County, which he hopes to continue to monitor.

“I want to make sure that they monitor their water lines and stuff and to follow up on that. I’ve also been working on a road to Navajo Mountain for Monument Valley. So there’s two things that I’d like to see implemented before I leave.”