You are all in our hearts this month as we stand together as a community navigating a challenging legislative session, marked by tough battles and divisive measures. It is evident that the road to progress is fraught with obstacles. However, our true opportunity for transformative change lies ahead in November. The Salt Lake County Dems are gearing up for a pivotal election where we can rally behind candidates committed to fighting for our core values. Together, we will turn the page on this arduous session and pave the way for a future that champions inclusivity, justice, and the principles we hold dear.
Read on about how you can join us in building a movement that will shape the future we envision.
2024 is going to be HUGE
The 2024 candidate filing deadline was earlier this month and we had one of the best filing periods we’ve EVER seen. We had 66 Democratic candidates file for public office in Salt Lake County. Check it out!
That's right! At least one Democrat is running in all but 5 races in Salt Lake County!
With 66 Democratic candidates on the ballot and Mayor Wilson up for re-election 2024 is going to be our biggest election cycle to date. That's why we are investing more time and money than ever before to support our Salt Lake County Candidates.
Special shout-out to our Candidate Recruitment committee who have been working tirelessly for months to find candidates for each of these races. They’ve done an absolutely fabulous job. Want to join in on the fun? Email us to join the committee!
House District Officer Highlight - Matthew Davis - HD30
1. What’s your favorite thing about your community?
West Valley City has the largest percentage of foreign born residents in Utah. It makes it a vibrant place where every day you can appreciate the ways we are all unique in this world and how much we have to learn from each other. Plus the best taquerias in Utah!
1. What is the one thing you would try to fix to make the world a better place?
I would implement single-payer healthcare. As a sufferer of ulcerative colitis, I know personally what it is like to carry the weight of chronic illness with you. Life is full of beautiful experiences, but it can be upended in an instant without warning. We should not be putting up barriers such as financial well-being or employment status as a precondition to affordable quality care. Too many are forced to go without in order to keep their day-to-day lives moving forward. We can do more to help and make sure we all experience as much of life as we possibly can.
3. What motivated you to become involved in the Democratic Party?
I have been involved with politics since I was in college, but I was on the floor of the Utah House of Representatives when Senate Bill 16 passed that chamber in 2023 which banned care for transgender minors in our state. I grew up in Utah and some of the most important friends in my life are transgender individuals who I grew up with. It's hard to see what it is that makes our legislature feel they must do these things. I knew then that if I wanted the message of our state to change, we needed to change our messengers. I felt like working with my local Democratic Party was the best thing I could do to change the message from our legislature and I know we will be victorious in West Valley City and beyond.
2024 Victory Fund
Did you know that 2024 is our best chance to flip the Salt Lake County Council blue for the first time since 2008? That’s right, it's been 16 years since Democrats held the Salt Lake County Council, but this year we have strong candidates running in every County Council race and we just need to flip 1 seat.
There is so much at stake in this year’s election: reproductive freedoms, LGBTQ rights, a strong public education system, and the health of our democracy itself.
A recurring $5 monthly donation pays for 3 hours of door-knocking
Joining the County Forum pays for advertising to marginalized communities
A one-time $1000 donation pays for staffing expenses for a week
Our number 1 priority this year will be re-electing Mayor Wilson and flipping the Salt Lake County Council blue. That's why we’ve started a 2024 Victory Fund and will be investing more money than ever before in Salt Lake County races. Every dollar counts and we need your help to make this huge investment in our future. Will you donate today to our 2024 Victory Fund so we can capitalize on this once-in-a-decade opportunity to control the Salt Lake County Council?
Board and Commissions
Service opportunity alert! Salt Lake County needs people to volunteer on their boards and commissions. These are volunteer positions for engaged residents to use their time and expertise to provide input to our Salt Lake County Government. There are opportunities for people to get involved with anything from arts and culture, to diversity, to noxious weed control. Whether you are an expert in the field, or just someone looking to improve your community, see how you can make our county a better place.
Are you interested in serving with your city? Many of the cities within Salt Lake County have their own boards and commissions and they need help. Click here to check out opportunities in your area!
Don’t Forget to Check A Buck
Did you know that you can donate $2 to local political parties for free when you file your taxes? Yes really, for free!
All you have to do is check the box on your tax return that asks if you would like to donate $2 to the Utah Election Campaign Fund and select the Democratic Party. That donation will then be split between us and the State Party - at no cost to you!
Imagine what we could accomplish if every Democrat in the County checked this box, that would be over $200,000 that we could use to support our incredible candidates! This is a super simple way to be a part of the effort to elect Democrats up and down the ballot, so make sure that you and everyone you know checks that box!
In Closing…
As we conclude this newsletter, let us carry with us the words of Maya Angelou: “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”
These challenging times demand our resilience and fortitude. Together, as members of the Salt Lake County Dems community, we will navigate through obstacles, learn from setbacks, and emerge stronger. Our shared commitment to progress and justice will be the driving force propelling us forward. Let resilience be our guiding light as we face the future united and determined.
In solidarity,
Jade Velazquez
Chair, Salt Lake County Democratic Party