Incumbent candidate Mia Love and challenger Doug Owens takes to the debate floor Monday night for Utah’s 4th congressional district race.
Love took the lead over Owens with just 5 additional points in 2014. And this year's race started off just as tight.
Brigham Young University’s Political Science Professor Michael Barber says their rematch was expected to be one of the closest races in the state, but the district's changing demographic can potentially give Love a boost.
"What made the difference was that the district is a little more Republican than it was in the past," said Barber.
Both candidates reportedly spent at least $1 million or more on their TV ads.
Owens made his appeal by focusing on his pioneer roots, and Love addressed issues like education and veterans' rights. But the two released ads aiming to attack their opponents and sparked controversy.
"Well, negative campaign ads tend to work better than positive campaign ads,” said Barber. “People tend to remember negative ads more than positive ads."
Love's TV ads criticized Owens for his involvement in the legacy highway. And Owen’s campaign sent messages claiming Love's misuse of taxpayer money.
Listen to the debate live on Utah Public Radio Monday night starting at 6 pm.
