Malloy and Woodward debate public lands, housing, water and rights in St. George forum

Incumbent Rep. Celeste Malloy and challenger Nathaniel Woodward debated a range of issues at a Utah Debate Commission forum at Utah Tech University in St. George, with contrasting approaches on public lands, housing and the federal government's role.

Malloy framed her work in Congress as supporting state‑level innovation, particularly on water policy, saying she joined the Colorado River caucus to “make sure that congress doesn't get involved where we shouldn't be and step on the state's toes” and to help educate colleagues on Utah’s needs. Woodward described water as “one of the most complicated issues” facing the region and proposed federal engagement in large infrastructure — including desalination and interregional water trades — to bolster long‑term supply.

The candidates diverged sharply on the state’s “Stand for Our Lands” effort. Malloy said she supports the state’s lawsuit, calling the question posed to the U.S. Supreme Court “fair” and arguing Utahns have a right to know about the state’s position. Woodward said he was hesitant about the lawsuit’s rhetoric and warned that many lawmakers driving such efforts are tied to development interests; he said transfers should be led by people who live on public lands and suggested some lands could be returned to the State Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA).

On housing and inflation, Woodward proposed revisiting homestead‑style access to federal land to create new towns and expand supply, while Malloy emphasized that many housing levers are state and local and credited permitting reform and fiscal restraint at the federal level as ways to limit inflationary pressures.

The two also addressed defense and mandatory spending, foreign aid to Ukraine and Israel, immigration, tariffs, disclosure laws for members of Congress, term limits and civility in public life. On abortion, Malloy said she is “unapologetically pro‑life” and supports returning the question to the states after Dobbs; Woodward said he would “air on the side of individual choice” and urged that women lead the discussion.

Both candidates urged more transparency for elected officials’ investments. Malloy said she already discloses investments and supports restricting trades when conflicts arise; Woodward argued for mandatory disclosure and stricter campaign‑finance reform.

A post‑debate audience exchange focused on the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RICA). Malloy said RICA expired in June and is stalled in Congress because a Senate measure ties Utah claims to additional, costly provisions; she said she is negotiating with colleagues to secure separate authorization. Woodward praised Malloy’s stance and pledged to advocate for downwinders.

The moderator reminded viewers that Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, and the forum was sponsored by Utah Tech University and local foundations; the debate video and past forums are posted at utahdebatecommission.org.