Greetings, fellow Democrats!
The primary season is officially behind us, and what an exciting ride it was! With Pride month behind us, let's take a moment to celebrate the progress we've made for LGBTQ+ rights and gear up for the work still ahead. Big congratulations to our primary winners and sincere thank you to all the candidates who didn’t quite make it through. We couldn’t turn this state purple without you. If you were supporting a candidate who didn’t make it through, it’s time to unite as one party and support our candidates up and down the ticket.
You should start at the bottom of the ballot and work your way up! From local school board to the federal races, over 90% of seats in Salt Lake County have a Democratic challenger or incumbent.
Now, with the general election just 129 days away, it's time to focus on what comes next. We've got a lot to do, but together, we can make a real difference. Let's keep pushing for the values we believe in and create a future that works for everyone.
Left to right: Sen Escamilla, Sen Kwan, Sen Plumb, Sen Blouin, Sen Pitcher, and Sen Riebe.
This month we launched our new line of Salt Lake County Democratic Pride Merch. These fun “Bee Proud” designs are limited stock and will be leaving the store soon, so make sure to get yours before they’re gone.
Congratulations Primary Winners!
Congratulations to the Democrats who won their Primary races!:
Natalie Pinkney - Salt Lake County At-Large
Hoang Nguyen - Utah House District 23
Grant Miller - Utah House District 24
And to our friends who won their local school board primaries:
Mitchell Atencio - Jordan School Board 5
Turner Bitton - Salt Lake City School Board 2
Charlotte Fife-Jepperson - Salt Lake City School Board 2
Amanda Longwell - Salt Lake City School Board 7
Richard Whitney - Salt Lake City School Board 7
Thank you to everyone who ran in these races. Their willingness to serve our community by running for office helps make Salt Lake County a better place. A special thanks to Rep Briscoe for his 14 years of service in the Utah State Legislature.
Now that the Primaries are over our number 1 priority is getting our Democratic candidates elected – especially our Salt Lake County Candidates, Natalie Pinkney, Zach Robinson, Katie Olson, and Ross Romero. This year is our chance to flip the Salt Lake County Council blue for the first time in 16 years and we need everyone’s help.
If you are able, please donate today to support our Salt Lake County Candidates, or sign up to volunteer.
Garden Party Recap
Garden Party was a blast! At least that’s what I’ve been told by those who made it. While I was home recovering from an illness, the rest of our Party Leadership team put on a fun and fabulous event.
From La Vonne Maloney’s delicious home baked bread, to the lawn games, to our popping Silent Auction, the Garden Party was a huge success. We beat our fundraising goal by over $1,000 and are excited to invest this money into supporting our candidates. Thanks again to all of our sponsors and volunteers who helped make this event possible. Special thanks to La Vonne Maloney for letting us use her wonderful garden for these last 14 years!
Left to right: Amber Hendrix, Palmer Pattison, Nick Glenn, David Rodgers, Sen Blouin, and Brad Dickter.
First Organize Utah Phone Bank - July 13th
We are excited to announce that we’ll be participating in Organize Utah’s first volunteer phone bank of the election cycle! We are going to be calling Utahns all across Salt Lake County to talk about our 2024 candidates. This event is virtual, so you can join from the comfort of your own home. We need volunteers to help us make as many calls as possible and start the election season off strong. Sign up today, so you can elect Democrats!
June Events Recap
June was an incredible month for us! Over 200 of our passionate supporters marched in Pride, showing our unwavering commitment to equality and love. We had a fantastic time at the Garden Party and hosted countless fundraisers and canvassing days, all contributing to our mission. Our team was out in full force, tabling at West Fest, Millcreek's Venture Out Fest, and Herriman Towne Days, and we proudly marched in the Taylorsville Days Parade. We capped the month off with an awesome Presidential Debate Watch Party. Each event brought us closer as a community and fueled our momentum for the challenges ahead. Thank you for your dedication and enthusiasm!
Left to Right: Jade Velazquez and the Salt Lake County Democratic Party Marching in Pride; Rep Bennion; Olivia Anderson, Martin Gaucin, and Harleen Saini holding our Democrats Love you banner; Jade Velazquez and Ross Romero; Jade Velazquez and Caroline Gleich; Amber Hendrix and Michele Rivera.
Left to Right: Supporters listening to Rep King speak; Jeanetta Williams, Dawn Stevenson, and Jade Velazquez at WestFest; Sam Winkler, Jade Velazquez, and Stephen Middleton at Herriman Towne Days; supporters at a meet and greet.
Left to Right: Katrina Fallick-Wang and Darlene McDonald; Dr. Kevin Korous and Amber Hendrix; Gaynard and Lynda Griffiths.
Coming Soon: SLCo Hispanic Caucus Presents the 2024 Margarita Ball; Stonewall Dems Present Monthly Queer Coffee and Dem Bones!
Organize Utah Intern Spotlights
Cameron Jordan
Hi! My name is Cameron!
I am a rising junior at the University of Utah majoring in Political Science with an emphasis in Law and Politics and double minoring in French and Campaign Management. After graduation, I plan to attend law school and start the path towards a career as a lawyer. Growing up in the Bay Area, and specifically within my own family, really exposed me to democratic politics. Discussions about gender, race, sexuality, and economics were all common family dinner conversations and led me to define my own beliefs about what mattered. Learning about the ways that certain minority groups have been consistently targeted or excluded for decades or centuries, solidified my desire to be a part of democratic politics. Many people in Utah will not get the chance to be exposed to new ways of thinking or diverse perspectives, especially in school, but I did. With that privilege comes the responsibility to make sure I am advocating for every Utahn to be treated fairly and equitably no matter who they are.
Marc Greusard
Hi, my name is Marc!
I come from France where I graduated with my degree in modern languages, public law, and political science. I came to Utah to be a part of the Organize Utah campaign to fight for the values I hold dear. I became interested in politics during my teenage years when I saw that political discourse, laws and policies have actually a tremendous impact on everyone’s life.
I believe that American politics has a great influence on the world as a whole and that
fighting within the United States to protect equality and human rights is important. I wanted
to come to the Beehive State because I think that Utah is going to be crucial this year:
Utahns will have an unique opportunity to express their values of decency and common
sense this election and I am excited to be a part of it.
In Closing…
It was my absolute honor to represent the Salt Lake County Democratic Party at the White House Pride Celebration this year. Huge thanks to Fmr. Sen. Derek Kitchen for the invite! We got to hear from Dr. Jill Biden about the importance of authenticity, I spoke with Secretary Pete about the historic investments in Utah infrastructure and met up with House Minority Caucus Leader Angela Romero for a fabulous conversation about expanding our strategic relationships beyond our County borders.
L to R: Rep Romero and Jade Velazquez in front of the White House, Paddle showing white house pride celebration, former Sen Kitchen and Jade V., White house with rainbow pillars, Jade V, Pete and Chasten Buttigieg, First Lady Dr Jill Biden
As we look ahead, let's stay optimistic and energized about the possibility of flipping the county council blue. With our collective effort, passion, and dedication, we can make meaningful changes that benefit everyone in our community. Together, we have the power to shape a brighter, more inclusive future. Let's go out there and make it happen!
Jade Velazquez
Chairman of the Salt Lake County Democratic Party