Making Waves Newsletter 2024 May

Greetings, fellow Democrats! 

May is behind us and June is here! We're excited for Pride Month! It’s a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and our progress toward equality. Let’s stand together and show our support for a more inclusive society for all Salt Lakers. Election season is kicking off, with the Primary Election on June 25th. Ballots are being mailed this weekend! Don’t miss the upcoming debates to get informed about our candidates. Staying engaged is crucial!

Also, our annual Garden Party is coming up Sunday, June 9th. Tickets, tables and sponsorships are on sale now, so grab yours soon. It’s a fantastic event to connect with fellow Dems and support our efforts. All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting Democratic candidates. 

Celebrate Pride, get ready for the primaries, and join us at the Garden Party. Here’s to a great month ahead! Also, #34counts!

County Forum Luncheon Recap

We had an inspiring County Forum Luncheon featuring gubernatorial candidate Rep. Brian King and lieutenant governor candidate Rebekkah Cummings. They shared their visions for Utah’s future and engaged in a lively discussion with attendees about the key issues facing our state.

Haven’t heard about the County Forum? The Salt Lake County Forum is our donor club where members contribute to the SLCo Party and enjoy perks like free tickets to events such as Politisauce, the Garden Party, and three special County Forum luncheons per year. Members also receive discounts at our merch store and shout-outs at our events. Memberships start at $50/month or $600/year, and all the funds go towards electing more Democrats in Salt Lake County!

Members of the Salt Lake County Democratic Party County Forum Club at their Quarter 2 Luncheon with Democratic candidate for Governor Rep King and his running mate Rebekkah Cummings.

May Events Recap

May has been an incredible month for the SLCo Dems, full of energy and connection. We kicked things off with an inspiring update at the Women’s Democratic Club luncheon, where we shared our latest initiatives and the importance of staying engaged.

Left to Right, Members of the Salt Lake County Dems Executive Committee, David Rodgers, Michele Rivera, Nick Glenn (ED), Jade Velazquez and Harleen Saini, Women’s Democratic Club Attendees.

We hosted a candidate training with Councilwoman Suzanne Harrison, who provided fantastic advice and strategies for our future leaders. It was an invaluable session, giving our candidates the tools they need to succeed.

Left to Right, Candidates at a training, Councilwoman Suzanne Harrison, John Arthur for State School Board, Kevin Korous for Granite School Board and Deborah Gattrel for State School Board.

This month was also packed with numerous campaign kickoffs and fundraisers. It’s been amazing to see the enthusiasm and dedication from our candidates and supporters as we gear up for the elections.

Left to Right, Fundraiser with House Candidate Angela Choberka, Kickoff with Senator Kathleen Riebe.

One of the standout events was the YDU Young Dems Progressively Funnier fundraiser. It was a fun, interactive evening that brought young Democrats together, building camaraderie and strengthening our community spirit. We learned a lot about brine shrimp and bison. And we can’t forget our fantastic tabling events, which gave us the chance to connect with voters and share important information.

Left to Right, Senate Candidate Caroline Gleich, Salt Lake County Surveyor Candidate Kent Setterberg and Treasurer Sheila Srivastava, House Reps. Sahara Hayes and Ashlee Matthews and Sen. Nate Blouin at the YDU event.

A special highlight was the amazing West Side Meet the Candidates Night. It was a wonderful opportunity to partner with Teamsters 222 for voters to meet the people running for office and hear firsthand about their visions for our community.

Left to Right: West Side Meet the Candidates Night, Precinct Officer Training, Candidate for Salt Lake City School Board Charlotte Fife-Jepperson.

In Closing…

As we move forward into a busy and exciting season, let's remember the power of our collective efforts. Civic engagement is at the heart of democracy, and every action we take brings us closer to the just and inclusive society we envision. As the great John Lewis once said, "Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part." Let's do our part, stay engaged, and make a difference together.

Warm regards,

Jade Velazquez

Chairman of the Salt Lake County Democratic Party