Making Waves Newsletter June 2025
- SLCounty Dems
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Hi Friends!
Summer is in full swing, and our work is heating up right along with it. Across Salt Lake County, Democrats are showing up, speaking out, and supporting more than 70 candidates running in local elections this year.
This newsletter is packed with ways you can get involved, stay informed, and help build something powerful in your community. Whether you’re knocking on doors, signing up to volunteer, or just starting to learn more, there’s a place for you here.
Let’s keep going. We’ve got a lot to be proud of and even more to do.
Municipal Elections: Too Many Candidates – A Good Problem to Have!
There are 42 days until the Municipal Primary on August 12, and we’re thrilled to see so many candidates stepping up to run. The energy is real and now it’s time to turn that excitement into support.
What does candidate support look like?
Start local. These are your neighbors running for office. Here’s how to plug in:
Know who’s running in your area: Check the official candidate list here
Ask us who we’re supporting: We’re happy to share our insight and recommendations
Check for alignment: Google them, read their platforms, look at social media
Reach out: Send them an email or give them a call. If you like what you hear, invite them to coffee and ask how you can help
Support comes in many forms:
Time – Knock doors, make calls, post on social media, host a house party or “donuts in the driveway”
Money – Donate directly, ask others to pitch in, or offer services or supplies
Every bit of support matters in these local races. A few hours or a few dollars can make the difference between winning and falling just short. Let’s show up for the people who are stepping up for us.
Note that cities using Ranked Choice Voting have a later declaration period, from August 12 to August 19. Those include Kearns, Magna, Midvale, Millcreek, Salt Lake City, and South Salt Lake.
Welcome, Jiro Johnson, to the Salt Lake County Council!
After 13 rounds of ranked-choice voting and an incredible field of 17 candidates, Salt Lake County Democrats have selected Jiro Johnson to fill the open seat in County Council District 1, and we couldn’t be more excited.
Jiro is a public defender, a dedicated community leader, and a proud resident of Liberty Wells. He brings deep experience serving vulnerable communities and a clear vision for addressing housing, homelessness, and public safety with compassion and real solutions.
We’re grateful to every candidate who stepped up. This was one of the most competitive and inspiring appointments we’ve seen in years. The future of our party is bright, and Jiro is ready to get to work. He’ll serve through January 2027 and has already announced plans to run for a full term in 2026. We’re behind him all the way.
As we welcome Jiro Johnson to the County Council, we also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Arlyn Bradshaw for his many years of dedicated service. Arlyn has been a trailblazer, a thoughtful policymaker, and a champion for progressive values in Salt Lake County.
His leadership on issues like open space preservation, LGBTQ+ equality, and social services has made a lasting impact. While we’ll miss his voice on the council, we’re proud to see him continue serving the public in his new role within Mayor Jenny Wilson’s administration.
Thank you, Arlyn, for everything.
Get Involved: Bootcamp 101 Training; July 30th, 6PM
Feeling inspired and ready to take action? Whether you're fired up about local elections, passionate about policy, or want to make a difference in your neighborhood, we’re here to help you get started.
Join us this July for our Bootcamp 101 Training — a fast, friendly introduction to the Salt Lake County Democratic Party and all the ways you can get involved. From volunteering and organizing to running for office or supporting candidates, we’ll break it all down and help you find where your energy fits best.
Stay tuned for the date and registration link. Let’s get to work — together.
RSVP for the Bootcamp 101 Training
Stay Informed with Our Weekly Blue Wave Briefings
Alongside our monthly trainings, we’ve brought back our weekly Blue Wave Briefings, a fast-paced, 30-minute Zoom calls held every Monday at 5:30 PM. These sessions feature guest speakers like Senator Nate Blouin, Rep. Carol Spackman-Moss, and advocates from the ACLU. Each week, we share timely updates, highlight upcoming events, and offer clear ways to take action.
Make it part of your routine to check in, stay informed, and power the Blue Wave forward. Join us every Monday at 5:30 PM—RSVP on Mobilize to get the Zoom link.
Reminder: Filing Fee Reimbursement Program for Union Members Running for Office
The Salt Lake County Democratic Party is proud to launch a new program to support union members who want to run for office. Union members can now apply for filing fee reimbursement this year and next, reducing the financial burden of running for office.
If you're a union member interested in running or know someone who is, please email slcounty@slcountydems.com to apply. Additionally, we’re offering training and resources for first-time union candidates, and we plan to host a group training session before the June municipal filing deadline. Let’s work together to ensure more union voices are heard in our government!
June Recap: Triumph and Tragedy
June was a month of powerful highs and heartbreaking lows. Over 200 Democrats marched together in the Utah Pride Parade, celebrating love, visibility, and the strength of our community. The energy was electric, and the message was clear. We belong, and we’re not going anywhere.
We also joined some of our 2025 municipal candidates in kicking off their campaigns! Below is HD 33 with Holladay Mayor candidate Paul Fotheringham and HD 41 with Cottonwood Heights candidate Ellen Birrell.
And celebrated the first of many Black Trailblazers of Utah event with the Utah Black Caucus!
Just days later, tragedy struck at the No Kings protest in Salt Lake City, where thousands gathered in a peaceful show of resistance. The night ended in sorrow when Afa Ah Loo, a beloved local designer and community leader, was fatally shot. His loss is deeply felt.
We carry both the joy and the grief into July, more committed than ever to building a safer, more just future for all.
June Spotlight: Elder Abuse Awareness Month
June was Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Salt Lake County. Abuse and neglect of older adults are increasing, and many cases go unreported.
Here’s how you can help protect our elders:
Watch for warning signs like unexplained injuries, sudden behavior changes, or financial problems
Stay connected with seniors through visits, phone calls, or simple check-ins
Report suspected abuse to Adult Protective Services or law enforcement—it's required by law
Together, we can ensure our elders age safely and with dignity. Click here for 5 ways to prevent elder financial exploitation.
Upcoming Events
Stay Strong, Stay Engaged
As we head into July, take a moment to rest, recharge, and enjoy the 4th of July with your loved ones. Remember, Republicans do not have a monopoly on patriotism. Standing up for your neighbors, working for fairness, and being an active part of your community is a deeply patriotic act.
We are proud to do that work alongside you. See you in the streets, at the doors, and at the ballot boxes.
Chair Velazquez
