JR Bird

JR Bird (Republican Party) (also known as Rod) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Utah's 3rd Congressional District. He lost in the Republican primary on June 25, 2024.

Bird also ran for election to the U.S. Senate to represent Utah. He did not appear on the ballot for the Republican primary on June 25, 2024.

Bird completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

JR Bird was born in Roosevelt, Utah. Bird's career experience includes founding his own business. Bird also served as the mayor of Roosevelt, Utah, and as a volunteer firefighter.^[1]

Bird has been affiliated with the Rotary Club, the Roosevelt Economic Development Committee, the Roosevelt Chamber of Commerce, Roosevelt Interfaith Council, the Central Utah Water Conservancy District Board of Trustees, the National Rifle Association, Gun Owners of America, the National Association of Gun Rights, the Utah Shooting Sports Council, and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF).^[1]

Elections

2024

U.S. House

Utah's 3rd Congressional District election, 2024 (June 25 Republican primary)

Utah's 3rd Congressional District election, 2024 (June 25 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Utah District 3

Mike Kennedy defeated Glenn J. Wright in the general election for U.S. House Utah District 3 on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Mike Kennedy (R)	65.3	144,009
	Glenn J. Wright (D)	34.7	76,523

	There were no incumbents in this race. Source	Total votes: 220,532
= 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 primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Glenn J. Wright advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Utah District 3.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Utah District 3

Mike Kennedy defeated Case Lawrence, JR Bird, Stewart O. Peay, and John Dougall in the Republican primary for U.S. House Utah District 3 on June 25, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Mike Kennedy	38.8	43,618
	Case Lawrence	22.1	24,884
	JR Bird	15.3	17,207
	Stewart O. Peay	14.2	15,954
	John Dougall	9.6	10,800

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 112,463
= 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.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic convention

Democratic convention for U.S. House Utah District 3

Glenn J. Wright advanced from the Democratic convention for U.S. House Utah District 3 on April 27, 2024.

		Candidate
✔		Glenn J. Wright (D)

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
= 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 U.S. House Utah District 3

Select round:

The following candidates advanced in the ranked-choice voting election: Mike Kennedy in round 6 . The results of Round are displayed below. To see the results of other rounds, use the dropdown menu above to select a round and the table will update.

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 951
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Clayton Hunsaker (R)

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Bird in this election.

U.S. Senate

Utah's 3rd Congressional District election, 2024 (June 25 Republican primary)

Utah's 3rd Congressional District election, 2024 (June 25 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Utah District 3

Mike Kennedy defeated Glenn J. Wright in the general election for U.S. House Utah District 3 on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Mike Kennedy (R)	65.3	144,009
	Glenn J. Wright (D)	34.7	76,523

	There were no incumbents in this race. Source	Total votes: 220,532
= 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.

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Glenn J. Wright advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Utah District 3.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Utah District 3

Mike Kennedy defeated Case Lawrence, JR Bird, Stewart O. Peay, and John Dougall in the Republican primary for U.S. House Utah District 3 on June 25, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Mike Kennedy	38.8	43,618
	Case Lawrence	22.1	24,884
	JR Bird	15.3	17,207
	Stewart O. Peay	14.2	15,954
	John Dougall	9.6	10,800

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 112,463
= 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.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic convention

Democratic convention for U.S. House Utah District 3

Glenn J. Wright advanced from the Democratic convention for U.S. House Utah District 3 on April 27, 2024.

		Candidate
✔		Glenn J. Wright (D)

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
= 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 U.S. House Utah District 3

Select round:

The following candidates advanced in the ranked-choice voting election: Mike Kennedy in round 6 . The results of Round are displayed below. To see the results of other rounds, use the dropdown menu above to select a round and the table will update.

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 951
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Clayton Hunsaker (R)

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Bird in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

U.S. House

Video for Ballotpedia

Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released April 29, 2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

JR Bird completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Bird's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

JR Bird stands as an example of strength, perseverance, and community involvement. He is a husband to Brindy Bird, and a proud Father of 4 wonderful children. JR was born in Roosevelt, Utah, where he currently resides today.

From growing up in humble circumstances, at one point living in a 10 x 20 shed as a child after the family home was lost in a fire, JR successfully grew multiple businesses and became the mayor of his hometown. While still in his twenties, JR founded Paragon Oilfield Products, a thriving enterprise supplying the oil & gas, and agricultural industries. He has also played a pivotal role in revitalizing other local businesses, preserving jobs, and fortifying the community’s economic foundation.

As Mayor of Roosevelt, JR has increased transparency, reduced violent crime, pushed back against COVID-19 mandates, passed term limits, and has kept taxes low. JR’s commitment to restoring the core American values of freedom, integrity, accountability, and selfless service is unwavering.

JR’s service and community involvement extends beyond the Mayor position, and is a member of the Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Roosevelt Economic Development committee, and Interfaith Council. He has served as a volunteer firefighter, and was a member of the Central Utah Water Conservancy Board for eight years.

JR’s devotion to faith, family, and community is complimented by his love of the land, where he enjoys growing alfalfa, and raising a few cattle on the family farm.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

The Federal government has an obligation to protect our citizens against foreign threats and invasion. JR’s determination to protect our families and secure our borders is un wavering. JR will demand the proper execution of the existing immigration laws, work to codify the “Remain in Mexico” policy, provide funding for the wall, where it makes sense, and funding for equipment and resources necessary for our border agents to be successful. Having eight years of experience working with the Latin community, JR will foster legislation that will simplify the immigration process for good people wanting to come legally, entertain other H2A and H2B work visa options, and provide stronger penalties for illegals.
JR understands that one of the greatest threats to our country, is the budget and national debt. Out-of-control spending has led to accelerated inflation, higher costs of living, and a debt service that will crush our children and grandchildren, putting the American dream out of reach for generations. As a business owner and Mayor, JR has experience balancing both business and government budgets. JR knows that a return to proper process, including statutory budget timelines and single-subject spending bills, is imperative to fulfill Congress’ No. 1 fiduciary responsibility of passing and balancing a budget. JR would also support measures forcing representatives to focus solely on spending bills, until a budget is passed.
JR has a record of restoring Trust, Transparency, and Accountability at the local level, and knows that this is paramount to getting our country back on track. JR will prioritize restoring the balance of power at the federal level by adhering to the Constitution, reigning in the executive branch by eliminating executive orders that create law or regulation, to re-establish congress as the sole regulatory, law making body. This would greatly resolve the whiplash between presidential administrations regarding border policy, energy policy, environmental policy, and the weaponization of bureaucracies that push partisan agendas with limited oversight. JR is an advocate for the REIGNS Act. JR also see’s a great need to restore federalism.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Energy: The price of energy drives the price of everything, including groceries, utilities, commuting, building material & housing costs. As a business owner in the energy sector, JR will champion policies that will unleash America's economic potential, eliminate unnecessary regulation, reduce inflation, and bring stability and affordability to the American people.
Public lands: JR will fight to repeal a new Bureau of Land Management rule that allows the agency to lease land for conservation purposes and prevent other uses for the area, and will work to transfer federal lands to state control.
Small Business: As America’s #1 job creator, JR will champion efforts to support small business through deregulation and a simplified tax code.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The Proper Role of Government, by Ezra Taft Benson. The Law, by Frederic Bastiat.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, Integrity, hard work, and having the determination and courage to stand alone when necessary, but also having the humility to work together to move good policies forward when the opportunity presents itself.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To uphold the constitution and the rule of law. To learn their duty and act accordingly. To serve and accurately represent the principles upheld by the Republican Party and their constituents.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The war in Iraq. I was about 9 years old.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Superman, because of his integrity and desire to help people with no thought of reward.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe the best education that anyone can obtain to prepare them to serve at the federal level, is to serve in local politics, at the municipal or county level. That’s where you get to learn about the proper role of government, and how decisions made directly impact those you serve.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The national debt. Out of all the major problems we face, the border, energy policy, foreign policy etc, the national debt is by far the most complicated, will take the most time to correct and will be the most devastating if left unchecked than almost any other challenge we face.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes, if the federal government was reduced to functioning like it was originally intended, I believe two year terms are appropriate.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I’m an advocate for term limits. As Mayor, I led the charge to implement term limits on myself and the council. Currently ours laws allow a maximum of two terms or 8 years, or 10 years if you’ve filled an appointment of 2 years or less.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

I believe building relationships of trust, and having civil dialogue is desirable for policymaking.

What committees interest you?

Energy & Commerce, Natural Resources, Oversight & Accountability, Small Business.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

For the longest time, I have had the desire to audit the federal government, the budget, and the bills being presented. Coming from a background in local government where everything is to be done with 100% transparency, I believe the federal government should be held to the same standard, save issues of national security, and as your next congressman, will work tirelessly to that end.
Transparency and accountability are of utmost importance.

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.

Campaign website

Bird’s campaign website stated the following:

“

RESTORING GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY
JR believes it’s time to clean house and bring integrity back to Washington, D.C. Our government should work for the people, not special interests. JR will lead the charge in:

TACKLING CORRUPTION
- Tackling corruption head-on by pushing for comprehensive ethics reform, increased transparency, and stricter enforcement of ethics laws, especially regarding the active trading of stocks by lawmakers. JR is committed to ending the revolving door between Congress and lobbying by enacting a 10-year ban on lobbying after public service, ensuring elected officials work solely for the benefit of their constituents.

PASSING TERM LIMITS
- Recognizing that entrenched politicians and bureaucrats often prioritize their careers over the needs of the people, JR supports introducing congressional term limits. JR fought and passed term limits locally and will do the same in Washington. This measure will bring fresh perspectives and renewed accountability to our government.

REMOVING LOBBYIST INFLUENCE
- To help regain the American people’s trust in government, JR is determined to reduce the influence of lobbyists and special interests on policy making. He will advocate for stricter regulations on lobbying activities, especially for lobbyists representing the interests of hostile foreign nations like China, and for increased transparency in lobbying expenditures.

ACHIEVING AMERICAN ENERGY DOMINANCE
JR Bird wants to first achieve American energy independence and then expand our production to achieve American energy dominance. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is but one example of why it’s so important that America be the lead energy provider to the free world. JR is experienced in the oil and gas industry and knows the importance of delivering good jobs and low energy costs for the middle class. He’s committed to:

UNWIND BIDEN’S GREEN NEW DEAL
- President Biden enacted his radical Green New Deal under the cover of the Inflation Reduction Act. When budget analysts finally did the math, they found that Biden’s green energy subsidies will cost $1.2 trillion – three times what was originally claimed. These subsidies need to be rolled back, and companies from China, Russia, and other countries of concern should be ineligible to receive any American subsidies. For example, a Chinese battery company in Michigan and Illinois is seeking to attain billions of American tax dollars through Biden’s Green New Deal. The law should make clear that companies from countries of concern can’t get a penny from the American taxpayer.

LOWER ENERGY COSTS AND CREATE MIDDLE CLASS JOBS
- Fossil fuels make American middle-class life possible. Energy production fuels high-paying middle-class jobs and an affordable price at the pump, which helps the middle class achieve the American Dream. America must dramatically increase its production of fossil fuels to create more jobs, lower costs at the pump for Utahans, and greater American support for our international allies.

INCREASE PRODUCTION TO REFILL THE STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE
- JR Bird supports new rules to require increases in federal land leasing to offset any draw downs on America’s strategic petroleum reserve. Joe Biden depleted America’s strategic energy reserves to record low levels in order to improve Democrats’ prospects ahead of the 2022 elections. At the same time, he restrained domestic energy production. Now, America is left with low energy reserves, high prices at the pump, and the likelihood of refilling the petroleum reserve at higher prices than when it was depleted. The federal government must allow more energy production whenever the president depletes our strategic energy reserves.

REFORM PERMITTING TO HELP GET ENERGY PRODUCTS TO MARKET
- Cheaper energy transportation costs mean lower costs at the pump. But Joe Biden blocked one of America’s cheapest forms of energy transportation by shutting down the Keystone XL Pipeline, reducing the flow of energy from Canada to the United States. JR Bird will support the authorization of new energy infrastructure projects along with broad permitting reform to modernize NEPA so more energy and mineral resources can be developed in America while keeping our environment safe and clean.

INCREASE LEASING ON PUBLIC LANDS
- Radical environmentalists compelled Joe Biden to cancel energy leases on federal lands that had been issued under President Trump. Now, America’s energy production is lower than it should be. JR Bird supports dramatically increasing federal land leases for future energy production.

DEFENDING UTAH’S CONSERVATIVE VALUES
JR Bird is a staunch advocate for the values that matter most to Utahns. He’ll stand up for:

PROTECTING THE SECOND AMENDMENT
- As a concealed carry permit holder, a member of the Utah Shooting Sports Council, a life member of the NRA, a member of the National Association of Gun Rights, and Gun Owners of America, JR will vigorously defend the rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms. He supports reciprocity for concealed carry permit holders across state lines, ensuring Americans can protect themselves and their families wherever they travel. Most importantly, JR supports laws that would impose greater federal accountability on politicians like New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, who violate their constituents’ constitutional rights.

CHAMPIONING PRO-LIFE VALUES
- JR is proudly pro-life and will work tirelessly to protect the dignity and sanctity of all human life. His commitment extends beyond the unborn to include support for adoption reform, making it easier to find loving homes for children. JR also recognizes that the leading cause of death for adults age 18-45 is a fentanyl overdose. While supporting those impacted by the opioid crisis, he would impose harsher federal penalties on fentanyl traffickers given that fentanyl is 50-100 times more potent than morphine.

GUARDING UTAH PUBLIC LANDS
- JR believes it is wrong that the federal government controls more than 50% of the land in some states, including Utah. He recognizes that the federal government’s arbitrary control over expanding national monuments can hinder or even hold hostage local communities and their economies. He plans to reform the Antiquities Act, allowing local governments, communities, farmers, and ranchers to have a greater say in how public lands are used. This approach ensures that those who live and work on these lands have a more significant role in their preservation, management, and use. JR supports transfer of federal land ownership to state and private control especially in states like Utah, where the federal government controls around 65% of the land. At the same time, JR believes that other countries like China should be banned from buying both America’s agricultural land and land around military bases.

UPHOLDING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND FREE SPEECH
- As a firm believer in religious freedom, JR will vigorously protect the rights of all Utahns and Americans to practice their faith without fear of discrimination. He will also champion free speech on college campuses and oppose any attempts to suppress differing viewpoints, thereby promoting open and respectful discourse.

PROMOTING ECONOMIC PROSPERITY
JR Bird is committed to bolstering Utah’s economy and ensuring financial security for all. He’ll focus on:

REGULATORY REFORM
- JR recognizes the stifling impact of excessive regulations on businesses and innovation. He will lead efforts to overhaul the federal regulatory code and introduce legislation to ensure that regulations promote safety without stifling economic growth. By applying a regulatory budget “two-for-one” rule, JR aims to eliminate at least two outdated regulations for every new one introduced, fostering a more business-friendly environment. JR will also ensure that the economic impact of the two eliminated regulations outweighs the economic impact of the new regulation. Finally, JR supports the REINS Act, which would prevent any president and his bureaucrats from tying up the economy with red tape.

TAX REFORM
- JR supports making the Trump tax cuts permanent to stimulate economic growth and increase investment in the United States to incentivize the reshoring of our critical supply chains. He also advocates simplifying the tax code, making it fairer and more straightforward for working Americans, seniors on a fixed income, and businesses. He aims to create a tax system that encourages investments, job creation, and economic stability. JR will also introduce a tax reform law to ensure that businesses owned or controlled by hostile foreign powers do not qualify for billions of dollars in tax credits and other incentives. This will ensure companies like Gotion, with its close ties to the Chinese Communist Party, don’t receive tax credits and incentives ultimately funded by the American taxpayers.

SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES
- Small businesses will benefit from tax reform, regulatory relief, and more competition in medical care and medical insurance. The next Congress and president must prioritize American energy production so that producers can bring more reliable and affordable energy online to help keep small businesses competitive. Government contracting should also be streamlined and simplified making it easier for small businesses to compete. JR will advocate for Congress to explore the implementation of an idea pioneered in Utah by creating a federal regulatory sandbox allowing innovative businesses to develop new products and services without being bogged down by red tape.

ELIMINATING WASTEFUL SPENDING
- JR believes it is disgraceful that Washington’s out-of-control spending has resulted in America’s credit rating being cut by Fitch Ratings. JR is committed to identifying and eliminating wasteful government spending. JR believes the best way to reduce wasteful spending is to roll back discretionary federal spending to pre-Covid levels, freeze spending at those levels for a year, and then hold spending growth below inflation rates. He will advocate for legislation to increase budget transparency. JR will also advocate for Congress to engage in a meaningful, deliberate budgeting process instead of flitting from mini-crisis to mini-crisis under threat of government shutdown.

ENSURING NATIONAL SECURITY AND SOUND FOREIGN POLICY
JR Bird is dedicated to keeping America safe and strong on the world stage. He’ll support our veterans and focus on:

SECURING OUR BORDERS
- JR believes it is despicable that President Biden has turned over operational control of our southern border to drug cartels, who engage in human trafficking at unprecedented levels. JR believes in comprehensive border security measures, including walls or physical barriers, where necessary. He believes in reintroducing President Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy for those seeking asylum. He would provide our border patrol with state-of-the-art technology and training to safeguard our citizens and maintain the integrity of our borders. Finally, in light of millions of people being trafficked across our border and over 100,000 drug overdose deaths in America per year, JR believes that our next president should consider designating drug cartels operating on our southern border as terrorist organizations.

HOLDING CHINA ACCOUNTABLE
- JR recognizes that aside from our national debt, China is the #1 threat to America’s safety and freedom. The Chinese Communist Party’s actions on the global stage must be countered with strength. He is committed to holding China accountable for unfair trade practices, intellectual property theft, and rampant human rights violations. He will support our allies and work to ensure a united front in addressing these concerns, while pursuing fair and mutually beneficial trade agreements. JR believes that Chinese companies guilty of using stolen American technology and intellectual property should be blocked from engaging in business in the United States. If China will not engage in fair trade, then JR supports moving our trade relations to less hostile countries.

SUPPORTING OUR MILITARY
- JR knows our military deserves proper leadership, respect, and support from Congress. As Utah’s Congressman, he will ensure vital and proper funding for military bases like Hill Air Force Base. Rod will also prioritize funding to protect America from cyber threats and EMP attacks. He supports legislation to prevent hostile foreign powers from buying land around our military bases.

WORLD AFFAIRS AND CONFLICTS
- JR believes in peace through strength, but emphasizes the importance of a careful and precise approach to foreign conflicts. He advocates for congressional approval before committing troops to overseas conflicts. JR recognizes that the #1 threat to America is China in the Pacific. JR aims to bring our brave men and women home from prolonged engagements in the Middle East and refocus resources on strengthening our nation.

VETERANS CARE
- JR recognizes the significant debt of gratitude we owe to our veterans. He is determined to improve the VA system to ensure veterans receive the quality care they deserve. JR proposes members of Congress receive the same medical benefits as those in the VA system, so Congress is treated no better than those who sacrificed so much for the United States. This will help ensure Congress continually works to improve VA healthcare and honors our veterans.

ADVANCING EDUCATION REFORM THAT IMPROVES EDUCATION
JR Bird knows the importance of education for our future. He’s committed to:

ADVANCING LOCAL CONTROL
- JR supports abolishing the Federal Department of Education. JR believes in returning power to the states and funding local school systems without federal strings attached. He believes we need less bureaucracy in our education with dollars prioritized to classroom instruction. JR believes parents are best equipped to decide what school is right for their children. He envisions a system where parents have a say in what education looks like for their children, and teachers have the flexibility, support, and resources needed to prepare students for a competitive job market.

REFOCUSING HIGHER EDUCATION
- Recognizing that four-year universities aren’t suitable for everyone, JR supports expanding alternative educational paths, such as technical schools and junior colleges, and gearing high schools to prepare students for a variety of careers, not just a four-year university. These institutions can provide valuable job skills and reduce the financial burden of higher education.

DEMANDING AFFORDABLE, FREE-MARKET HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS
JR Bird understands the critical importance of accessible, affordable, free-market healthcare. He’s committed to:

PROMOTING PATIENT EMPOWERMENT
- JR believes in empowering individuals to take control of their healthcare decisions. He supports expanding healthcare savings accounts (HSAs), FSAs, QSEHRAs, and more solutions that allow individuals and families to set aside pre-tax dollars for medical expenses. JR will also demand greater price transparency for medical costs, and supports allowing Americans to shop for care outside their plans. By promoting these options, JR aims to give Americans more flexibility and control over their healthcare choices, ultimately reducing costs and increasing access to quality care.

TACKLING PHARMACEUTICAL AND HEALTHCARE MONOPOLIES
- JR recognizes the rising cost of medications burdens American families. He plans to open up the free market by taking on pharmaceutical and other healthcare related monopolies to increase competition. Lowering medication and hospital care costs will ensure that life-saving treatments are affordable and accessible. Americans should NOT be paying more for the same prescriptions and medications than citizens in other countries. It’s time we get a fair deal.

ELIMINATING OBAMACARE
- JR believes in a patient-centered approach to healthcare. He is committed to eliminating the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and replacing it with a more efficient, market-driven healthcare system. JR aims to increase choice and competition in the healthcare market, allowing individuals and families to select the coverage that best suits their needs.

SUPPORTING RURAL HEALTHCARE
- JR understands rural communities’ unique challenges in accessing quality healthcare. He will work with local and state leaders to advocate for increased support in rural healthcare infrastructure, including clinics and telemedicine services, along with increased pathways for physicians to work in rural medicine. These investments will ensure that all Utahns, regardless of where they live, have access to the healthcare they need.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
- JR recognizes the importance of mental health and well-being. He will prioritize mental health insurance reforms, and work to improve access to mental healthcare services. By reducing stigma and collaboratively working with national and state leaders to find solutions for mental health support, JR aims to address the mental health crisis in our communities.^[2]

”

—JR Bird’s campaign website (2024)^[3]

U.S. Senate

Ballotpedia survey responses

JR Bird completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Bird's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Rod is a husband to his beautiful wife Brindy, and together they have 4 wonderful children. Rod is a self made businessman, serial entrepreneur, and Mayor of his hometown. In his spare time he farms, grows alfalfa and raises a few cattle. Rod enjoys the great outdoors, hunting, fishing, hiking and loves what Utah has to offer. Rod is a life long resident of Utah, and was born and raised in the Uintah Basin. Rod has worked in the Oil & Gas industry for the past 22+ years, and started his first business in 2007 supplying the energy and agricultural industries of the Basin. Rod feels that public service is a duty and responsibility that we all share. It is one of the great opportunities we have as Americans, to serve and give back to the communities and country that has given so much to each one of us. Rod believes that the power to govern resides in the individual, and that the rule of law is established to protect our God given inalienable rights of Life, Liberty, Property, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Simply put, it’s time America hears from “One of Us”!

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

We need to end wasteful spending and balance the budget. It is the primary purpose of Congress, to ensure that our Nation is fiscally sound and responsible.
We need to secure the southern border, and simplify the process of legal migration, thus ending the flow of illegal drugs and human trafficking that is destroying so many American lives.
We need to focus on becoming energy independent, and energy dominant, allowing us to become an exporter to ally countries in Europe and other parts of the globe.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Rod is passionate about the reigns act. If passed, this would end the ability for non elected bureaucracies to make policy and legislate without involving congress. The power to legislate is defined in the constitution to be solely held by Congress, and that power should never be delegated to bureaucratic organizations.

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.

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

JR Bird campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. House Utah District 3	Lost primary	$1,246,161	$1,246,161
2024*	U.S. Senate Utah	Withdrew primary	$0	N/A**
Grand total			$1,246,161	$1,246,161
Sources: OpenSecrets, Federal Elections Commission *This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

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U.S. House Utah District 3

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Footnotes

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 Bird, U.S. Congress, "Meet JR," accessed March 9, 2024
↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
↑ Bird, U.S. Congress, “Issues,” accessed March 9, 2024

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Utah's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Mike Lee (R)

Mitt Romney (R)

Representatives

District 1

Blake Moore (R)

District 2

Celeste Maloy (R)

District 3

John Curtis (R)

District 4

Burgess Owens (R)

Republican Party (6)

[bio-1] 1.0 ^1.1 Bird, U.S. Congress, "Meet JR," accessed March 9, 2024

[quotedisclaimer-2] Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

[3] Bird, U.S. Congress, “Issues,” accessed March 9, 2024

[1]

[2]

[3]

Candidate	%	Total Votes	Transfer	Round eliminated
Mike Kennedy	61.5	537	9	Advanced (6)
Zac Wilson	38.5	336	110	6
JR Bird	0.0	0	-132	5
Kathryn Dahlin	0.0	0	0	4
Stewart O. Peay	0.0	0	0	4
John Dougall	0.0	0	0	3
Christopher Herrod	0.0	0	0	2
Lucky Bovo	0.0	0	0	1
Case Lawrence	0.0	0	0	1

Candidate	%	Total Votes	Transfer	Round eliminated
Mike Kennedy	59.6	528	31	Advanced (6)
Zac Wilson	25.5	226	59	6
JR Bird	14.9	132	3	5
Kathryn Dahlin	0.0	0	-73	4
Stewart O. Peay	0.0	0	-33	4
John Dougall	0.0	0	0	3
Christopher Herrod	0.0	0	0	2
Lucky Bovo	0.0	0	0	1
Case Lawrence	0.0	0	0	1

Candidate	%	Total Votes	Transfer	Round eliminated
Mike Kennedy	55.3	497	26	Advanced (6)
Zac Wilson	18.6	167	80	6
JR Bird	14.3	129	-43	5
Kathryn Dahlin	8.1	73	-5	4
Stewart O. Peay	3.7	33	-14	4
John Dougall	0.0	0	-44	3
Christopher Herrod	0.0	0	0	2
Lucky Bovo	0.0	0	0	1
Case Lawrence	0.0	0	0	1

Candidate	%	Total Votes	Transfer	Round eliminated
Mike Kennedy	52.4	471	64	Advanced (6)
Zac Wilson	9.7	87	2	6
JR Bird	19.1	172	-13	5
Kathryn Dahlin	8.7	78	2	4
Stewart O. Peay	5.2	47	-15	4
John Dougall	4.9	44	-21	3
Christopher Herrod	0.0	0	-45	2
Lucky Bovo	0.0	0	0	1
Case Lawrence	0.0	0	0	1

Candidate	%	Total Votes	Transfer	Round eliminated
Mike Kennedy	44.0	407	40	Advanced (6)
Zac Wilson	9.2	85	10	6
JR Bird	20.0	185	14	5
Kathryn Dahlin	8.2	76	1	4
Stewart O. Peay	6.7	62	-7	4
John Dougall	7.0	65	-13	3
Christopher Herrod	4.9	45	-19	2
Case Lawrence	0.0	0	-48	1
Lucky Bovo	0.0	0	-4	1

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JR Bird

Biography

Elections

2024

U.S. House

General election

General election for U.S. House Utah District 3

Democratic primary election

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Utah District 3

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic convention

Democratic convention for U.S. House Utah District 3

Republican convention

Republican Convention for U.S. House Utah District 3

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

U.S. Senate

General election

General election for U.S. House Utah District 3

Democratic primary election

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Utah District 3

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic convention

Democratic convention for U.S. House Utah District 3

Republican convention

Republican Convention for U.S. House Utah District 3

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2024

U.S. House

Video for Ballotpedia

Ballotpedia survey responses

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U.S. Senate

Ballotpedia survey responses

Campaign finance summary

See also

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