Crosby presses Moore on tariffs, housing and the Great Salt Lake in Utah debate

Peter Crosby used a debate at Utah State University to pitch himself as a problem-solver for Utah’s 2nd District, highlighting costs, water, housing and federal gridlock. Independent polling from the Utah Debate Commission shows Crosby within striking distance of Republican Rep. Blake Moore.

Why it matters: - Crosby is trying to turn voter frustration over costs, water and housing into a competitive challenge against an incumbent who has held the seat for nearly six years. - The debate also gave Crosby a venue to frame his campaign as a local, issue-first alternative to party loyalty.

What happened: - Peter Crosby debated Blake Moore last night at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. - Crosby said he is focused on solutions for the cost of living, the Great Salt Lake and what he called inefficiencies in Congress. - Crosby said he has a “moral obligation” to his district before any political party. - Crosby argued he should vote in ways that solve problems such as inflation and a weak job market.

The details: - Crosby said he wants to reinvest in federal housing affordability programs that he says the Trump administration disinvested in. - Crosby said he would support upgrades to Utah’s aging water infrastructure. - Crosby said he wants real funding for water rights to help save the Great Salt Lake. - Crosby called for tax code changes to close corporate loopholes. - Crosby said he supports a right to privacy for all citizens. - Crosby backed legal and humane immigration policy. - Crosby said legislation should require local review and approval of data center development. - Crosby said he wants to end tariffs and stop the war in Iran. - Crosby said the House is close enough that ending the war in Iran or broad tariffs could take only one or two Republicans crossing the aisle. - Crosby said it takes courage, not committee work, to break with party leadership on those issues. - Crosby said he has held thousands of conversations with voters across Northern Utah. - Crosby said tariffs are hurting farmers, ranchers, small business owners and families. - Crosby criticized Moore’s support for keeping current policy in place six times. - Moore, who has been in office nearly six years, said he took a private call from Procter & Gamble about tariff challenges. - Crosby replied that small business owners do not appear to receive the same attention. - Crosby closed by saying he wants an economy that works for regular people, better access to health care and housing, a healthy Great Salt Lake and protected public lands for future generations. - Crosby said that future depends on electing people who are transparent and honest in government.

Between the lines: - Crosby is leaning hard into a populist, local-issues message aimed at persuading undecided voters that federal policy is hitting Utah households directly. - The focus on tariffs suggests Crosby sees economic pain as a bridge issue in a district with farmers, ranchers, small businesses and families all feeling pressure. - Independent polling from the Utah Debate Commission showing Crosby within striking distance of Moore signals the race may be more competitive than many expected. - Crosby’s clean-money pitch and volunteer-driven campaign are part of the same argument: that he is trying to contrast grassroots support with corporate influence.

What’s next: - Crosby’s campaign says he is holding public town halls across the district, with at least one each month in Cache, Box Elder, Davis and Weber counties. - Crosby will continue pressing the case that Northern Utah needs a representative who lives in the district and puts local concerns ahead of party loyalty. - The race will likely keep centering on tariffs, affordability and water issues as voters weigh the two candidates.

The bottom line: - Crosby used the debate to make a simple case: Northern Utah’s problems are practical, and its next member of Congress should be, too.