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The Democratic lawmaker serving Utah’s Senate District 13 opted not to run for reelection, instead launching an unsuccessful campaign to represent Utah’s new left-leaning congressional district.

Now, three candidates are racing to succeed state Sen. Nate Bouin: Democrat Sylvia Catten, Republican Ryan Mahoney and Forward Party candidate Colin Smith.

Catten, a longtime member of the Millcreek City Council whose professional background is in communication, won a competitive Democratic primary in June to become her party’s nominee.

On his campaign website, Mahoney identifies himself as a lifelong Utahn and a West Valley City resident. He worked several years as a mechanic, and is currently studying pre-law.

Smith is a recovery coach and entrepreneur, according to the Forward Party’s website.

Catten and Smith responded to The Salt Lake Tribune’s community-sourced questions; Mahoney did not.

Election Day is Nov. 3.

If returned through the postal service, mail ballots must be sent early enough to arrive at the county clerk’s office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Otherwise, they can be left at a drop box until polls close at 8 p.m.

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.

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?

Catten: Voters feel disenfranchised because leaders have direct, flagrant conflicts of interest in the decisions they’re making. Leaders profiting or benefitting at taxpayers’ expense is frustrating. In my current position, I lead with competence and care, building trust by showing up, listening, and exhausting all efforts to solve problems. I’ll bring the same diligence and responsibility to the Senate. Accountability is a priority for me, and I will continue to be highly accessible to constituents.

Mahoney: Did not answer.

Smith: Utah voters worry about corruption because the Republicans and Democrats have failed to deliver on their promises. They have ignored voters, ignored the courts and attempted to consolidate power for themselves. Utahns can trust me as their senator because I’m not a career politician and I’m not beholden to a big political machine. As a member of the Forward Party, I don’t have to toe the national party line. As a senator, I will work for the people of Utah, not for the party.

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?

Catten: We must prioritize housing policies that ease costs for working families. We need to expand home ownership opportunities and subsidize building costs. We need to help cities invest in the infrastructure needed for new or retrofitted housing. Let’s impose hard limits on corporate ownership of housing stock and improve renter protections. Healthcare and childcare are also big drivers in what families can and cannot afford. We need to expand and stabilize Medicaid and childcare costs.

Mahoney: Did not answer.

Smith: Affordability is a huge issue, and I have a plan to tackle it on two fronts. 1) Transportation: I want to see public transportation become the most convenient and affordable option on the Wasatch Front, with more bus and train routes and a two-thirds cost deduction. This would help Utahns save on day-to-day expenses and clean up our air. 2) Housing: Through a public-private partnership, I want the state to build affordable, efficient condos to help more Utahns escape the rent cycle and purchase a home.

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?

Catten: We need a reckoning of how we use water in our everyday lives. We must drive policy that pushes every water user to conserve. We need stricter water-wise policy for agriculture users, landscape and amenity uses, and new development. Conservation efforts can no longer be optional. We need policy that considers water quality and its impacts to ecosystems, habitats and consumption. Clean water and how it relates to the sustainability of our watershed and the Great Salt Lake is often overlooked.

Mahoney: Did not answer.

Smith: Saving the Great Salt Lake is one of my top priorities, and it’s not complicated. Approximately 68% of the water diverted in Utah — over 5 million acre-feet — is going to hay and alfalfa. We cannot afford to use that much water to grow animal feed, especially when the industry isn’t a major economic player in the state. As a senator, I want to work with farmers to help them pivot to more sustainable crops that save water and feed Utahns. Grocery costs are through the roof. Let’s grow more local food.

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

Catten: There is an urgency for our state to examine and find sustainable solutions to our impending energy crisis. Our needs for electricity and power are going to outweigh what we can produce. We need a plan to diversify outputs for sustainable solutions. Let’s prioritize modernizing our grid and energy infrastructure for reliability. Energy policy is ultimately about long-term stability and affordability. If we fail to invest now, Utahns will pay the price.

Mahoney: Did not answer.

Smith: For the last 20 years, I’ve worked in the mental health sector, both as a small-business owner and as the outdoor director of a therapeutic program for young men. While serving in these leadership roles, I’ve seen the value of mental health services and public outdoor spaces. As a senator, I would work tirelessly to strengthen and protect those programs, parks and forests. There’s a lot of potential joy and beauty in the Wasatch Mountains, and I want to ensure that all Utahns have access to it.

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.

Catten: Against.

Mahoney: Did not answer.

Smith: 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.

Catten: Against.

Mahoney: Did not answer.

Smith: Against.

What’s your favorite book and why?

Catten: I’m an avid reader so picking one book feels impossible. I have an eclectic taste, but recent standouts are “Solito” by Javier Zamora, “Bone Black: Memories of Girlhood” by bell hooks, and “The Heart’s Invisible Furies” by John Boyne.

Mahoney: Did not answer.

Smith: “The Comfort Crisis” by Michael Easter. The research and examples in this book reaffirm what I’ve learned through my 20-year career in the outdoor mental health space: Human beings are happier when we get outside and face discomfort.