Malloy Says Maps Were Drawn Without Public Input; Udell Backs Referendum

Redistricting proved a sharply contested topic in the Utah Tech University debate. Moderator Bob Evans asked whether the new boundaries for the 3rd Congressional District were "fair, equitable, and competitive."

Celeste Malloy said the drafting process lacked public input and criticized the way the maps were selected: "the process of drawing these maps didn't include public comment," she said, adding that she had joined a lawsuit with elected officials to try to restore the process spelled out in law. Kent Udell countered that the maps resulted from a legal referendum and reflected what "the people wanted." He said representatives must aim to represent the whole district when different communities have conflicting interests.

The candidates offered competing remedies: Malloy emphasized judicial and legislative avenues to alter mapmaking procedure; Udell argued the referendum outcome should stand. The debate did not resolve the legal issues and no new legislative action was announced by either campaign.