Note to readers • Click here to find an interactive map where you can enter your address to see all the races on your ballot that have a voter guide from The Salt Lake Tribune.
Democrat Verona Mauga is seeking for a second term representing a House district that takes in portions of Taylorsville and West Valley City.
Mauga faces Republican challenger Melody Jones, who did not respond to questions for this voter guide.
Mauga owns two small businesses, a bakery in Midvale and a wellness company in Herriman, her website says. Jones has been an independent cosmetologist for 30 years and is active within the Republican Party, according to her website.
Answers may have been edited for style and clarity. Candidate responses received are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Election Day is Nov. 3. Mail ballots must be dropped off at a ballot dropbox by 8 p.m. on Election Day or, if returned by mail, must be received by the county clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
(Campaign photo) Verona Mauga, candidate for the 2026 House District 31 election.
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?
Jones: Did not respond.
Mauga: People deserve a government they can trust and leaders who are accessible, transparent and accountable. I work hard to stay connected to my community, explain my votes and listen, even when we disagree. Trust is built by showing up, being honest about where you stand and remembering every day who you work for.
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?
Jones: Did not respond.
Mauga: Utah should be a place where people can build a life, raise a family and see a future for themselves here. Affordability is also about access. We need more housing at price points people can afford, lower unnecessary development and regulatory costs, stronger access to child care and health care, and careful scrutiny of taxes and fees that hit household budgets. Good policy should lower barriers and help people stay in their communities and get ahead.
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?
Jones: Did not respond.
Mauga: We can continue to grow while being responsible with the water that makes life here possible. That means better conservation, good data, helping agriculture modernize where it makes sense and making sure growth reflects the water we actually have. Protecting the Great Salt Lake and being a responsible Colorado River partner have to be part of our long-term planning.
What is another topic you care about and want to address if elected to public office?
Jones: Did not respond.
Mauga: Safe, healthy communities are at the heart of why I serve. My work has focused on victim rights, protections for survivors and veterans, animal welfare, and improving how our justice system works. I care deeply about affordability and access, because housing, health care, education, transportation and economic opportunity all shape whether people and families can fully participate in their communities and build stable lives.
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.
Jones: Did not respond.
Mauga: 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.
Jones: Did not respond.
Mauga: Against.
What’s your favorite book and why?
Jones: Did not respond.
Mauga: I just recently read “A Prayer for the City” by Buzz Bissinger, and it quickly became a favorite. It’s an inspiring story about Mayor Ed Rendell, the people of Philadelphia, and trying to move a city forward. There are setbacks, but also real progress.

Tony Semerad