Hello fellow Dems,
As your elected Chair of the Salt Lake County Democratic Party, I have to share that the last few weeks since the inauguration have been discouraging. I’ve taken calls from many of you who feel helpless, hopeless, and disappointed. As we enter this new year, it's easy to look around at the chaos—at the headlines, at the vitriol coming from Washington—and feel tempted to say, “they’re getting what’s coming to them.” But I know that’s not who we are.
Democrats are the ones who show up. We’re the ones who care, who listen, who fight for our neighbors even when they don’t always agree with us. We don’t turn our backs when things get tough. And as tensions rise in the coming weeks, I want to remind you: don’t lose your empathy. The people hurting right now—our neighbors, our coworkers, even some of our family members—are still our people.
We don’t have to accept the cruelty coming from DC. We don’t have to match the hate. We can focus on what matters: building a community where everyone is seen, valued, and supported. That’s the Democratic way. That’s who we are.
I’m SO PROUD of our State House and Senate Dems' work. While it seems like a lot of defense against bad bills (which is true), our Democratic elected officials are running bills that help everyday Utahns. Read on to see the great work happening in Salt Lake County…
Local Non-Profit Spotlight: Gun Violence Prevention Center of Utah Take Action: Stop HB 133 & Protect Our Communities
The Gun Violence Prevention Center of Utah is leading the charge against HB 133, a dangerous bill being rushed through the Utah Legislature. If passed, this bill would allow 18- to 20-year-olds to openly carry fully loaded rifles—including AR-style weapons—in public and in vehicles.
You don’t have to be a healthcare professional to see the risk this poses to our communities. Still, we know that the voices of doctors, nurses, EMTs, and mental health professionals can significantly impact lawmakers. That’s why we’re asking all healthcare professionals—current and retired—to sign and share this petition opposing HB 133.
If you work in healthcare, your voice is critical. Please take a moment to read and sign the petition, then pass it along to your colleagues. Every signature helps send a clear message that this bill is a threat to public safety.
Together, we can stand up for safer communities.
Calling Frustrated Democrats Who Want to Make A Difference Locally!
Feeling frustrated by the Republicans on the hill? Want to help your community but don't know how? File to run for local municipal office!
There are 90 different elections being held in Salt Lake County this fall, and we need a Democrat or Democratically aligned individual running for every seat. These are part-time positions that anyone can run for, even without political experience, and we will host training and provide tools and resources to support you. Municipal offices often directly impact our daily lives, and stepping up to serve your community can make a big difference. Interested in running, or just looking to learn more? Fill out the survey below, and we will reach out and answer your questions.
Are you not interested in running for municipal office but still want to help? Donate to our victory fund and help us elect more Democrats across the country, or sign up for our talent bank, and we will share opportunities to volunteer for the amazing candidates who file.
January Event Recap
This month, we had the amazing opportunity to celebrate the many candidates we helped elect last cycle at their inaugurations! From Jackson Lewis, the youngest ever elected official in Utah, joining the Canyons School Board to our five freshman State Representatives, it was an honor to see so many new Democrats and friends sworn into office.
(Left to right: Denece Mikolash getting sworn in as a Midvale City Councilmember, Jackson Lewis after taking the Oath of Office for Canyons School District; Erin Barrow joining the Jordan District School Board; Jade Velazquez at the 2025 UDP Leg Ball)
New Intern Spotlight: Maddy Brown
Hi, I’m Maddy Brown!
I’m a freshman at the University of Utah studying Political Science. After graduation, I plan on attending law schooland practicing criminal law. In my free time, I love shopping and reading. Some of my favorite books are Just Mercy by Brian Stevenson and A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I’m really excited to intern with the Salt Lake County Democratic Party and learn more about how local politics operate and make an impact!
In Closing…
As we move forward, let’s keep showing up for one another. Let’s keep leading with empathy, even when it’s hard. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but every conversation, every act of kindness, and every vote cast in the name of justice moves us closer to the future we believe in.
I’ll leave you with the words of President Barack Obama: “The best way not to feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, and you will fill yourself with hope.”
Let’s go make some good things happen.
Onward,
Chair Velazquez
