Candidates at Davis County Conservatives forum debate taxes, housing, education and immigration

At a candidate forum hosted by the Davis County Conservatives at Faith Baptist Church, Republican contenders for state Senate and House told local delegates they would prioritize tax relief, local control over policy and parental rights in schools while pledging to push for stricter immigration enforcement.

The forum, chaired by Tina Hurlocker, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance before moderators Yurik Kennedy and Ingrid Betridge outlined a format of one‑minute opening statements followed by audience questions. "It is being diminished by a law, SB 54," Hurlocker said of the signature‑gathering process, urging delegates to pay attention to caucus and convention dynamics.

Several Senate candidates focused on taxes and housing. Jennifer Garner, running in District 7, said she was "concerned about our taxes" and faulted recent tax changes for shifting revenue rather than delivering genuine cuts. Braden Hess said the state must restore the free market to make housing affordable: "My kids, if we continue on this trajectory, my kids will not be able to afford to live here." Tammy Tran, mayor of Kaysville and a candidate in District 6, emphasized local control and her municipal experience as qualifications for state office.

Panelists also touched on education and family issues, voicing strong support for parental rights and for limiting what they described as inappropriate curriculum or medical decisions made without parental consent. On immigration, multiple candidates expressed support for the federal SAVE Act and for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), while distinguishing legal immigration pathways as important to the country.

Organizers urged delegates to remain engaged: Hurlocker closed by promoting the group's online channels and announcing a follow‑up event on county commission races in two weeks. The forum offered a chance for delegates to weigh candidates on a range of local and statewide issues ahead of upcoming nominating processes.