Housing takes center stage: Cox promises 35,000 starter homes; King pushes protections for Utah buyers

When asked how they would address affordable housing, Governor Spencer Cox said building is the answer and pledged a goal of 35,000 starter homes over five years, describing a package of legislation and loan programs to enable builders to finance homes under $400,000 (and later under $300,000) at reduced interest rates. Cox said the administration worked with cities, counties and financial institutions to make construction loans available at lower rates to spur smaller, affordable units.

Brian King agreed more supply is needed but emphasized the lived experience of struggling Utahns: he said average home prices are ‘‘over half $1,000,000" (phrase as spoken in the debate is ambiguous) and proposed disincentives for out‑of‑state speculative purchasers to help keep homes available for Utah families. Rob Latham promoted market‑driven "free to build" policies to increase housing stock and criticized subsidies he called cronyism that enrich developers without improving affordability.

Candidates discussed regulatory changes such as relaxed ADU rules, zoning flexibility, and reforms to condominium laws to encourage townhomes and denser housing. Cox also linked housing efforts to the 2034 Olympics as an opportunity to accelerate infrastructure and transit planning.

The debate included follow‑up audience questions about how to cut regulatory "red tape" and whether accessory dwelling units, tiny homes and prefab housing are part of the solution; all three candidates said those approaches should be on the table.