2025 Special Election
Candidate Qualifications
To be eligible to file as a candidate in this Special Election:
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The individual must be a US Citizen.
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The individual must be a resident of Salt Lake County Council District 1 and registered to vote at a that address.
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Note: It was previously communicated that appointees must have lived in the district for at least one year prior to the filing deadline. Per the SLCo Clerk's Office 5/14, this does not apply to the special election. We apologize for the error.
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Jade Velazquez, Chair of the Salt Lake County Democratic Party, with the help of the Salt Lake County Clerks Office will verify that each candidate meets the eligibility requirements prior to the election.
Filing Period
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Opens: Thursday, May 15, 2025: 5:00 PM
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Closes: Wednesday, May 28, 2025: 5:00 PM
Click Here to Apply
Wednesday, June 11 - 6:00pm
Salt Lake County Government Center
2001 S State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84190
(North Building - Council Chambers)
Last Updated 5/16/25 - 11:59pm MT
Voting & Election Process
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The election will be conducted using Ranked Choice Voting (RCV).
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The voting procedures for the election will be described in detail in the Special Election Rules document forthcoming.
Voter Eligibility
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Eligible voters are members of the Salt Lake County Democratic Party Central Committee who are registered to vote within County Council District 1. This includes:
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Precinct Chairs
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Precinct Vice Chairs
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Party Leaders and Elected Officials (PLEOs) residing in District 1
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House District Officers residing in District 1
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Note: The Salt Lake County delegate list is currently locked to all delegate/precinct chair additions until after the State Party Convention and 14 days before the special election. Candidates requesting voter information may submit their request using this form.
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Financial Disclosures
All candidates must comply with Salt Lake County financial disclosure requirements. Instructions for submitting disclosures can be found here:
Notification to the County
After the election, Chair Velazquez will submit the results to the Salt Lake County Council, then the County Council has seven days to formally appoint the selected individual to fill the vacancy.
Special Election Rules
The specific details of the agenda, election, candidate speaking times and other special election rules are being drafted now. They will be available the week of 5/19/2025.
Oversight and Conflict of Interest
As Salt Lake County Democratic Party Executive Director Nick Glenn has expressed interest in filing as a candidate in this Special Election, Chair Jade Velazquez will serve as the co-election administrator along with Talin Hansen, UDP Municipal Director, to avoid any real or perceived conflict of interest. Please direct special election questions to jade@slcountydems.com.
CANDIDATES
For over two decades, Evan Done has demonstrated a strong commitment to the Salt Lake County community through advocacy and community involvement. His lived experience as a proud queer man in long-term recovery from a substance use disorder, combined with his extensive public policy expertise, has prepared him to tackle the toughest challenges facing Salt Lake County.
Evan is a lifelong Democrat who has dedicated his career to making a more just, equitable, and sustainable world by assisting many local and national social and environmental justice organizations further their mission and heighten their impact.
He currently serves as Advocacy & Public Policy Director at the Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness (USARA), is the Chair of the Salt Lake County Behavioral Health Services Advisory Council, and was appointed to the newly established Utah Behavioral Health Commission in 2024. He also serves on the Executive Committee of the national advocacy organization Faces & Voices of Recovery and the Board of Directors for the Utah Nonprofit Association. Learn more at https://www.evandone.com
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Hi I‘m Nick Glenn. You know me as the Salt Lake County Democratic Party Executive Director, but I am a lot more than that. I am a 6th generation Utahn, a (soon to be) father, a proud IBEW member, and an unapologetically progressive Gen-Z Democrat.
I've worked hard to elect Democratic candidates, from federal campaigns across the country, to local city and county races. I know what it takes for Democrats to win in Salt Lake County. Last year our County candidates won five out of the nine Salt Lake County seats and not a single Democratic incumbent lost their position. Now, I’m ready to take the next step by serving in public office myself.
I am running for County Council District 1 because we need more leaders like me in office: Young Democrats who will fight for Salt Lake County families, promote progressive policy solutions, and make our County better for future generations. I will help build a County that is safe, affordable, and equitable for all. Where I know my, and all, of our families will thrive. I would be honored to earn your vote. Schedule a time to speak with me on my website: www.picknickglenn.com
I'm Jiro Johnson, an attorney and assistant director for the Salt Lake County public defender. I’m proud to have grown up in our local public schools at Northwest Middle School, West High, and the University of Utah. I was politically active as a student, which included serving as the Young Democrats of Utah President and working for the Utah Democratic Party as a college student.
After graduating from the George Washington University School of Law, I worked in D.C. and volunteered for the DNC’s voter protection efforts, worked with the Federal Election Commission, and most recently, served as legal counsel for the Salt Lake County Democratic Party. As a lawyer with Black and Japanese heritage, I understand the importance of diversity, representation and fair dealing in our communities. I've served my community as the President of the Utah Minority Bar Association and as an officer of the LGBT and Allied Lawyers of Utah. As a public defender I fight for every person’s constitutional rights on a daily basis.
I will use my background and experience to better the criminal justice system, advocate for environmental stewardship, and improve Salt Lake County on your behalf in District 1.
My family and I have lived on the westside of Salt Lake City for 25 years. We love the diversity and beauty of our Rose Park neighborhood, and have been actively engaged with many organizations to build a community where people love to live. It has been an
honor for me to volunteer in many capacities over the years. I have served on the Rose Park Community Council since 2014, and as Chairman for the last 8 years, the Westside Coalition, the Utah State Title and Escrow Commission, House District 21 Chair and the WeConnect CAB addressing the elimination of the East-West divide. I also served multiple terms on the Salt Lake City, Police Civilian Review Board.
These positions have given me invaluable leadership experience that will be needed to steer Salt Lake County in the coming years. My priorities include:
Clean Air: Including increased public transportation in the southwest part of Salt Lake County. Affordable Housing: Building affordable apartments and establishing opportunities for affordable home ownership, including Condos and Townhouses.
Homelessness: Working to create a comprehensive plan involving all levels of government to find real solutions for solving our growing issue of homelessness.
Nate Salazar is a Salt Lake City native and a proud graduate of Bryant Middle School and East High School. He earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work from Portland State University, specializing in Community-Based Practice.
A lifelong Democrat, Nate has dedicated his career to public service. He began as a youth counselor with Utah’s Juvenile Justice Services, then joined President Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign as a Field Organizer in Southern Colorado. A highlight of that experience was sharing the stage with Dolores Huerta and Vice President Joe Biden in Pueblo, Colorado.
In 2013, he was elected Chair of the Salt Lake County Hispanic Democratic Caucus and co-founded the Frank Cordova Foundation, which has provided thousands of holiday meals to families at Title I schools. He also served as Community School Director at South Kearns Elementary.
After a close 2015 City Council race, Nate was appointed Deputy Director of Community Empowerment in Mayor Jackie Biskupski’s administration. He taught at the University of Utah and served on several community boards.
In 2018, Nate was elected to the Salt Lake City School Board. In 2023, he became the first Hispanic/Latino School Board President in Utah history.
I’m Lori Wike and for the past 20 years I’ve served our community as principal bassoonist of the Utah Symphony and adjunct music professor at the University of Utah. I’m a proud union member of AFM Local 104. I’m also a puzzle designer and creative problem solver. Now, more than ever, we need people with fresh perspectives to step up and serve.
I’m a progressive Democrat who became intensely engaged in local government while trying to save our historic Abravanel Hall. I delved into documents, spoke at public hearings, and helped
spearhead the successful National Register effort. I learned firsthand that it absolutely IS possible to make a difference. I was honored as a key figure in Preservation Utah’s Advocacy in Action Coalition Award. The efforts of all are a testament to the power of organization and our collective strength when community members and elected officials unite and work together.
I believe in lifting every voice and have the dogged determination to fight against injustice. I’m a passionate advocate for affordable housing, workers’ rights, public lands and open spaces, clean air, and our Great Salt Lake ecosystem. I want to help make life better for everyone in Salt Lake
County.
Aaron Wiley is bringing fresh energy, bold ideas, and a deep commitment to the communities that too often get overlooked. He’s not here to replace anyone, he’s here to build on the good and bring a new level of focus, follow-through, and results. Known for his authenticity and ability to unite people, Aaron is a proven problem-solver who listens first and leads with purpose.
Aaron’s journey in public service began as Utah State Director for Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign. More recently, he ran for State Senate in District 8, earning 16,555 votes and winning Salt Lake City by nearly 80 percent.
A father of four and West Side resident, Aaron serves on the Salt Lake City Parks Board and mentors youth through sports. He’s also the CEO of Idynify, where he helps businesses scale with sustainable strategies. One of those businesses, Kajae, was named Silicon Slopes’ Startup of the Year.
Aaron believes in safe neighborhoods, transparent government, affordable housing, and investing in local communities so families, parks, and small businesses can thrive. He’s running for County Council to show up, do the work, and help everyone rise together.
Learn more: utahforwiley.com