Three candidates are competing to unseat Rep. Celeste Maloy in Utah’s 2nd Congressional District in the 2024 general election.
Maloy’s challengers are Cassie Easley of the Constitution Party, Democrat Nathanial Woodward, and Tyler Murset, who is unaffiliated. After winning a special election last year, Maloy is also running to keep her seat.
The district is the geographically largest in the state and stretches from Tooele to Kane County.
The Salt Lake Tribune submitted the same set of questions, based on top issues readers said they were watching in this election, to each candidate. The questions and their answers that appear below — with the candidates listed in alphabetical order — may have been edited slightly for length, style or grammar.
What specifically would you do in Congress to mitigate the impacts of climate change on Utah?
Cassie Easley: Climate change is natural and comes in cycles. There is nothing Congress can do to control nature nor should it try.
Celeste Maloy: Did not answer.
Tyler Murset: Although I don’t think we can do much to affect climate change, I do support expanding nuclear energy. Clean, reliable energy and ever-advancing technology will solve most of these issues.
Nathaniel Woodward: Our energy needs are only increasing due to the advancement of AI, and I depart from the narrative of my party when I wholeheartedly endorse what Governor Spencer Cox has proposed regarding an “all of the above” energy policy. We produce the cleanest fossil fuel energy in the world yet we are a massive energy importer; the solution to the climate crisis and world greenhouse emission standards is as simple as reversing this.
(Asher Swan | Pool) Congressional candidate Cassie Easley gives remarks at the 2nd Congressional District debate in Cedar City, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022.
As a member of Congress, what solutions would you propose or support for states that rely on a diminishing Colorado River?
Easley: The Colorado River Compact has been in place since 1922. A drought contingency plan was established in 2019, and, in 2021, the Utah legislature created the Colorado River Authority of Utah. At this point the involved states work together to ensure that there is a plan in place. I support the states in what they are doing.
Maloy: Did not answer.
Murset: Short term, we’ll all have to use less water. But big problems ask for big solutions. I propose to expand nuclear energy and pump desalinated water from the ocean.
Woodward: Pass a bond that funds three desalination plants in Southern California. California buys the water at cost, and in exchange all water rights to the Colorado River revert to Utah. Additionally, the taxpayers own all lithium byproducts which will be sold to fund a fourth and fifth desalination plan and future pipeline to Las Vegas.
(Woodward campaign) Nathaniel Woodward, the Democratic nominee for the 2nd Congressional District.
Would you support legislation that protects fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization?
Easley: In vitro fertilization is an independent medical procedure for individuals. The United States Constitution does not give the federal government authority to legislate medical procedures for individuals.
Maloy: Did not answer.
Murset: Yes.
Woodward: Absolutely. Science is a miracle that has been mankind’s shield against the natural order of the world, preserving us through countless generations. Today it has blessed us with the opportunity to bring precious children into the world in circumstances that had previously not been possible. My greatest achievement will always be my children, which is my choice. I believe that each person should be granted that same exact choice.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Rep. Celeste Maloy participates in a congressional round table during the Conservative Climate Summit 2024 at Utah Valley University in Orem on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.
Do you support easier pathways to legal immigration?
Easley: No.
Maloy: Did not answer.
Murset: No.
Woodward: Yes.
Do you support re-opening the application process for young people eligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program?
Easley: No.
Maloy: Did not answer.
Murset: No.
Woodward: Yes.
As suggested by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, do you support mass deportations of undocumented residents?
Easley: If a person has entered the country illegally, they have committed a crime. There is legislation in place for people to enter the country legally. If your first act in coming to this country is to break the law, you need to be returned to your own country.
Maloy: Did not answer.
Murset: I support the immediate deportation of violent illegal immigrants. I don’t think illegal immigrants should qualify for welfare, hold jobs, have a driver license, or be able to rent or buy housing. By making those things against the law or enforcing existing laws, the immigrants will largely leave on their own.
Woodward: No. We are the wealthiest nation in the history of the world. It is shameful that we are even giving this proposition any thought. When your neighbors are in need you do not build a taller fence, you build a longer table. I often think about scripture, Alma 1: 27-30 (from the Book of Mormon, the foundational text of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.) We are a kinder people than this, and we must do better, we must be better.
What will you do to end toxic partisanship in Washington?
Easley: I would not participate in the partisan toxicity. Congress’ job is to stand for all the people regardless of party affiliation.
Maloy: Did not answer.
Murset: I’ve created an app called VotingAct (in beta testing) that will allow citizens to vote on bills that come up in Congress. I will vote with the majority of those in my district every time. Allowing citizens to participate in a more direct manner in government takes the power away from the power brokers in D.C. and puts it back where it should be — with the people.
Woodward: By calling out all of the pointless distractions that have consumed our daily thoughts and narrative. By not treating being a member of Congress like a career or networking opportunity. By not treating politics like business. I am not going to Washington to promote me or any party or corporation’s agenda. Congress needs to remember it not only works for the people, it should be comprised of the people who live and walk among you. I intend to keep my career in my little town and end my time in Congress after three terms, as term limits are a viable solution to this problem.
