Making Waves Newsletter May 2025
- SLCounty Dems
- 16 hours ago
- 6 min read
Hello Salt Lake County Democrats,
A New Era Begins…Congratulations to the newly elected members of the Utah Democratic Party Executive Committee: Chair Brian King, Vice Chair Susan Merrill, Secretary Brad Dickter, and Treasurer Catherine Voutaz! We’re excited to work alongside you as we continue to build momentum and elect more Democrats across Utah.
In this month’s newsletter, we’ll share key updates since our County Convention on May 3rd, plus highlight important upcoming events and opportunities to get involved. Let’s continue to organize, mobilize, and make progress together. Here are some highlights from the State Convention!
Municipal Elections: Filing Window is Open!
The June municipal candidate filing window for most cities has closed, but the Ranked Choice Voting cities declaration period is Aug 12 - Aug 19. Those include: Kearns, Magna, Midvale, Millcreek, Salt Lake City, and South Salt Lake.
If you’ve been thinking about running for local office, now is the time to file. Visit your city recorder’s office during business hours this week to submit your declaration of candidacy.
We must run Democrats everywhere. When we appear in places like Herriman and Riverton, even in tough races, we compel Republicans to allocate resources and attention defending those seats, thereby weakening their hold elsewhere. That’s how we build long-term power.
Need help with training or resources? Reach out to Nick at nick@slcountydems.com — we’re ready to support you. Let’s flood the zone.
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!
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 call held every Monday at 5:30 PM.
These sessions feature guest speakers, including Senator Nate Blouin, Representative Carol Spackman-Moss, and advocates from the ACLU. Each week, we share timely updates, highlight upcoming events, and provide clear steps for taking 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.
Join a Party Committee — Make a Difference
One of the most effective ways to make a meaningful impact is by joining one of our Salt Lake County Democratic Party committees. Whether you have a few hours a month or a specialized skill to offer, there’s a place for you to get involved:
Fundraising Committee: Help power our work by supporting donor outreach, planning fundraising events, and sustaining the resources we need to achieve our goals.
Events Committee: Be part of the team that organizes rallies, trainings, parties, and other gatherings that build community and momentum.
Candidate Recruitment Committee: Help us find and support strong Democratic candidates to run in races across the county.
Tech Committee: Utilize your technical skills to enhance our digital tools, data systems, and online outreach strategies.
These committees are open to anyone ready to roll up their sleeves and help elect more Democrats. If you're ready to get involved, reach out to us at info@slcountydems.com.
April and May Recap: What a Whirlwind!
April and May were packed with energy, connection, and momentum across Salt Lake County. Politisauce was a highlight, held at the Real Salt Lake Stadium with Rep. Sarah McBride as our guest of honor. Congratulations to our Dem Believer Award winners: Zach Angell, Tenille Taggart, Darlene McDonald, John Arthur, Joel Briscoe, and to Rep. Carol Spackman-Moss, who received the Democratic Legacy Award for her decades of service.
We had strong attendance at training for our newly elected House District officers, Caucus officers, Precinct Chairs, and Delegates. Thank you to everyone stepping up to lead.
Local organizing is thriving with House District gatherings, happy hours, and creative events like the HD 41 Canyon Blues Potluck. The Stonewall Caucus also brought the fun and the fire with their "Oh No They Didn’t!" fundraiser, hosted by Chair Velazquez and First Vice Chair Rivera.
Finally, we witnessed powerful community action at several protests and marches, with a special shout-out to the Progressive Caucus for their efforts in helping to coordinate and mobilize. Let’s keep the momentum going!
Salt Lake County Convention Recap
What a day! Over 800 Democrats came together for the 2025 Salt Lake County Dems Convention, and it was a huge success. From the incredible energy brought by Rep. Grant Miller and his big brass band, to the delicious food trucks, amazing vendors, a surprise visit from the state crustacean, and non-stop enthusiasm — it was a celebration of our people-powered movement.
A heartfelt thank you to Amber Hendrix, Denece Mikolash, and Palmer Pattison for their outstanding work behind the scenes, which made it all happen.
Congratulations to our newly elected Executive Committee:
Jade Velazquez, Chair
Michele Rivera, First Vice Chair
Jesus Jimenez-Vivanco, Second Vice Chair
David Rodgers, Treasurer
Jared Eborn, Secretary
We also elected 76 new House District officers and 55 Caucus officers who are ready to get to work.
Thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, and made this convention one to remember. Let’s keep building together!
(L to R: Salt Lake County Convention Highlights; Our new Executive Committee being sworn in; The State Crustacean, the Utah Brine Shrimp meets our fundraising goal; enthused Democrats, Rep. Grant Miller)
New Caucuses Forming! Business, Senior and Interfaith!
We’re launching three new caucuses: Business, Interfaith, and Senior—each offering a new way to connect and organize within the party.
Business Caucus
A space for Democrats in business to collaborate on policy and growth. RSVP here for the first zoom meeting on Wednesday, June 12 at 5:30pm to elect leadership. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details on how to join the meeting.
Interfaith Caucus
Bringing together Democrats of all faiths to promote justice and shared values. Contact Chair Darlene McDonald to get involved.
Senior Caucus
Focused on issues important to older Democrats, from healthcare to civic engagement. Reach out to Dave Moore at or Bev Cooper.
Get involved and help shape these new voices in our party! |
Closing Note: Stay Involved, No Matter What
Whether your favorite candidate won or not, the most important thing is to stick around and continue advocating for what inspired you to support them in the first place. Campaigns end, but the work continues. Real change happens when we stay engaged, organize together, and continue to show up.
If you care about affordable housing, climate action, racial justice, public education, or any of the values our candidates championed, the Democratic Party is where those discussions continue. Change comes from the inside, and we need your voice at the table.
Stay in the loop by joining a committee, attending a meeting, or simply showing up. This is your party, and we are stronger with you in it.
Chair Velazquez
PS: A Tribute to Pat Bagley
After 45 years of bold, brilliant, and unforgettable work, Pat Bagley is stepping back from his full-time role at The Salt Lake Tribune. For nearly half a century, Pat has been Utah’s sharpest political cartoonist using his pen to expose injustice, poke fun at power, and remind us that humor is a powerful force for truth.
Thank you, Pat, for 45 years of fearless creativity and for being a voice of reason, wit, and justice in Utah.
