Utah Stonewall Democrats roll out endorsements
The partisan LGBTQ+ organization Utah Stonewall Democrats announced a broad slate of endorsements for local, county, legislative, and congressional races in the upcoming election season.
Most endorsements apply to Salt Lake County Nominating Convention races, which happened earlier in April, while several statewide and multi-county contests, including congressional and select legislative seats, will be decided at the State Democratic Convention on April 25.
These endorsements represent a mix of incumbents, emerging leaders, and community advocates committed to equality, representation, and inclusive policymaking.
U.S. Congress
Congressional District 1
Public lands advocate and policy professional Nate Blouin is recognized for his work in environmental protection and outdoor recreation. His campaign focuses on protecting Utah’s natural resources, expanding economic opportunity, and offering a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach in Congress.
Congressional District 2
Former educator and nonprofit leader Tyler Farnsworth is focused on community development and expanding access to opportunity. He has advocated for investments in education, healthcare, and workforce development across diverse communities.
Congressional District 3
Business leader and community advocate Steve Merrill’s campaign centers on economic growth, fiscal responsibility, and government accountability. He applies private-sector experience to job creation and innovation.
Congressional District 4
Jonny Larsen is a grassroots organizer and advocate focused on working-class issues. His platform includes strengthening labor protections, expanding healthcare access, and addressing income inequality.
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City School Board District 3
Ashley Anderson, an education advocate and community leader, is committed to strengthening public schools through equity-driven policies. She prioritizes student success, inclusive education, and support for marginalized students, including LGBTQ+ youth.
Salt Lake City School Board District 5
Longtime community organizer and education advocate Sandra Buendia is focused on equity in public schools. She works to expand opportunities for underserved students and strengthen school-family partnerships.
Salt Lake County
Salt Lake County Clerk
Incumbent Salt Lake County Clerk Lannie Chapman is recognized for transparency, efficiency, and expanding voter access. She emphasizes secure, accessible elections, modernizing county records, and protecting local democratic processes.
Salt Lake District Attorney
Shawn Robinson is a longtime prosecutor with extensive experience in criminal justice. His campaign focuses on public safety reform, alternatives to incarceration, victim advocacy, and ensuring accountability and fairness in the justice system. Robinson will go up against incumbent Salt Lake District Attorney Sim Gill in the June primary.
Salt Lake County Council At-Large
Business owner and former city council member Tenille Taggart is known for her pragmatic approach to governance. She focuses on economic development, infrastructure investment, coalition-building among diverse communities, and championing inclusive policies. Taggart was eliminated at the convention.
Salt Lake County Council District 3
Luke Maynes has a background in public service and civic engagement, with a focus on smart growth, transportation, and quality-of-life issues. His campaign emphasizes sustainable development and responsive local government. Maynes is the Democratic nominee.
Utah State Senate
Senate District 5
Dakota Wurth is a community advocate and organizer recognized for advancing LGBTQ+ visibility and civic engagement. His campaign prioritizes inclusive policies, mental health services, and stronger, more integrated communities.
Senate District 10
Physician and incumbent state senator Jen Plumb has been a leading voice on public health and environmental issues. She champions clean air initiatives, access to medical care, and science-based policymaking.
Senate District 11
Mackenzie Miller is a public servant and policy advocate focused on education, housing, and economic security. Her campaign highlights the need for responsive government and equitable access to essential services.
Senate District 13
Evan Done is a gay small business owner and community advocate focused on economic opportunity and innovation. His platform supports local businesses and develops pathways for sustainable growth. Done won 60 percent of the delegate vote at the convention, and will face Silvia Catten and Taylor Paden in a three-way primary, as these candidates collected signatures to appear on the ballot.
Senate District 14
Incumbent Stephanie Pitcher is an attorney specializing in consumer protection. She advocates for working families, focusing on healthcare affordability, tenant protections, and economic fairness. Both Pitcher and Tayler Khater will appear on the primary ballot, as both collected signatures.
Utah State House
House District 12
Anna Graff is a community leader and advocate with a background in public service. She focuses on strengthening local communities through education, economic development, and inclusive policymaking.
House District 16
Abigail Treasure is running against anti-LGBTQ+ Rep. Trevor Lee. She is an educator and advocate dedicated to improving public education and supporting families. Her platform includes increased school funding, teacher support, and student-centered policies.
House District 21
Community advocate Anthony Washburn is committed to expanding economic opportunity and access to affordable healthcare. His platform includes strengthening public education and supporting working families in the district. Washburn was eliminated at the convention.
House District 27
Liz Oates is a public policy professional with experience in healthcare and nonprofit leadership. She champions policies that expand medical care access, protect reproductive rights, and support disadvantaged populations.
House District 33
Attorney and former congressional candidate Doug Owens prioritizes ethical leadership and economic fairness. He advances government transparency and advocates for critical investments in the workforce and education.
House District 34
Erin Jemison is a policy expert and housing advocate with extensive experience in affordability and homelessness. Her campaign focuses on practical solutions to Utah’s housing crisis and strengthening community stability. Jemison will face Julie Jackson in the primary.
House District 39
Environmental advocate and nonprofit leader Sarah Brough is focused on sustainability and public lands. She supports clean energy initiatives and policies that protect Utah’s natural resources while fostering economic growth. Brough was eliminated in the primary.
House District 40
Incumbent Andrew Stoddard is known for his work on economic development and government accountability. He emphasizes bipartisan solutions and responsible fiscal policy. Stoddard will face Wendy Davis in the primary.
House District 41
John Arthur is an educator and community advocate recognized for innovative teaching and commitment to public education. He is a vocal supporter of increased school funding and inclusive classroom environments. Arthur received 100 percent of the delegate votes and is the party nominee.
House District 45
Rod Moser is a local leader focused on neighborhood concerns, including public safety, infrastructure, and community development. His campaign emphasizes practical solutions and constituent engagement.
State School Board
State School Board District 7
James Martin is an education advocate with experience in school governance and community engagement. He emphasizes transparency, student achievement, and safe, inclusive learning environments for all students.
There are currently no LGBTQ+ Republican or other party caucuses.
More information on Utah Stonewall Democrats can be found at fb.me/utahstonewalldems
