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The race for House District 11 pits an Air Force veteran and Democrat against a Republican incumbent whose bills made waves last session.

Dave Calder was the lone Democrat running for House District 11, which comprises parts of Weber and Davis counties, including Hill Air Force Base. Calder was a Republican and served as a Davis County delegate — until the GOP nominated President Donald Trump and Calder quit the party.

Hall, a registered nurse, began serving in the Legislature in 2023. Last year, she sponsored a bill to rein in so-called adoption tourism in Utah, after outcry from ethical adoption advocates and birth mothers who felt they were taken advantage of.

Fun fact: While the two candidates differ politically, they shared a “favorite book” in The Salt Lake Tribune’s candidate survey.

The Tribune sent the survey to candidates across Utah to help Utahns inform their vote. Candidates submitted photos and answers through a questionnaire. Answers may have been edited for style and clarity. Candidate responses are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

Reminder: Election Day is Nov. 3. Mail-in ballots must be dropped off in an official drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. If returned by mail, the ballot must be received by the county clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day — so mail back ballots as soon as possible.

Utah voters told us government corruption is their top concern in this year’s election. Why do you think voters feel this way? And why should Utahns trust you to represent them?

Dave Calder: I’m one of the voters concerned about corruption in government. Our legislature allows unlimited corporation donations to campaigns and voter voices are being drowned out. My own legislator has financial ties to the health care industry and sponsored a bill (HB503) to limit medical malpractice payments to $1 million — a boon to insurance companies who donate to her campaign. We need to elevate people’s voices over corporations. I haven’t taken campaign donations from corporations and I won’t.

Katy Hall: I think voters feel this way because they don’t feel there is enough transparency. In the House, I have worked for and voted for transparency measures through policy and rule. I advocate for people to get involved in the process. Come down to the Capitol and see the work we do. Passing laws doesn’t happen in a vacuum and input is had from all sides of any policy points. I welcome everyone to come and take part in the legislative process.

Utahns told us affordability is their second-highest priority in this election. How would you help Utahns afford housing, groceries, gas and other day-to-day expenses?

Dave Calder: Utah is one of eight states that still taxes food; the tax takes a larger percentage bite from lower-income earners. It’s time to end it. First-time homebuyers have been priced out of the housing market for several years, in part because the supply of smaller homes isn’t meeting demand as developers find larger homes more profitable to build. I will work to incentivize development of smaller homes on decreased lot sizes so we can help our younger generation get a start with homeownership.

Katy Hall: For housing, we need to get government out of the way of responsible development. We need more attainable housing, and we need to reduce unnecessary regulations, fees and delays that drive up the cost of building. We should support Utah agriculture and local businesses, and keep our economy strong so wages can grow. Keep taxes and government costs under control, remove unnecessary barriers to businesses and housing and let Utahns keep more of the money they work hard to earn.

Water resources were also a top concern for voters. What policies would you support as Utah looks to balance growth with preservation of the Great Salt Lake and the Colorado River?

Dave Calder: I agree with the 2023 assessment, “Emergency Measures Needed to Rescue the Great Salt Lake,” that “conservation is the only way to provide adequate water in time to save Great Salt Lake.” It is the most cost-effective and lasting option on the table. We need to reduce consumption by one-third to one-half of current usage to ensure the lake gets to a healthy elevation. I support measures that will lease or purchase water and support farmers and cities to reduce consumption.

Katy Hall: Growth is continuing in Utah, so in 2026 our legislation was focused on water leasing and conservation. I believe in these efforts and think they will help Utah become water-efficient and resilient in both dry and wet years. This resiliency will help preserve and protect the Great Salt Lake. I would support more solid and concrete policies like these that we know will put water directly to the lake.

What is another topic you care about and want to address if elected to public office?

Dave Calder: I will work to stop the Legislature from fighting the Better Boundaries initiative. Utahns have repeatedly rejected gerrymandering. It diminishes our voice and hurts communities when they are divided among House districts. There are parts of nine communities served by House District 11. It does not make sense, except to serve a political party, that single precincts of Sunset, Layton and Roy are carved from their cities. Or that Washington Terrace, South Ogden and Riverdale are split.

Katy Hall: As a nurse, I’m trying to find ways to reduce costs in healthcare while still providing more access to care. Competition and free market growth is one of the best ways to decrease prices of things. Costs have reached an unsustainable tipping point and we need to encourage more free market solutions to disrupt the system. As the chair of the Health and Human Services committee, I’ll also be looking carefully at the Medicaid deficit we had this year and the audit that will be coming out at the end of the year.

How will you vote on Constitutional Amendment A? If passed, the amendment will stop the practice of publishing the full text of amendments and ballot questions by lawmakers in a newspaper for 60 days ahead of an election and instead require that text to be published on two state websites.

Dave Calder: For.

Katy Hall: For.

How will you vote on Constitutional Amendment B? If passed, citizen-proposed laws that increase taxes would need to be approved by 60% of voters, instead of a simple majority.

Dave Calder: Against.

Katy Hall: For.

What’s your favorite book and why?

Dave Calder: I love books of different genres and don’t have a favorite. The last book I read was “Project Hail Mary,” which I enjoyed.

Katy Hall: I have a few. “Outlive” (great for health goals), “Project Hail Mary” (I like science fiction that makes you think it could happen), “Blind Spots” (admissions of when medicine may have gotten things wrong), “The Robe” (great fictional story of faith).