ELECTIONS

Candidate Conversation: Jenny Wilson for Senate

Sep 25, 2018, 3:37 PM | Updated: Nov 8, 2022, 11:40 am

Editor’s Note: This is the second of a 12-episode series of Candidate Conversations with the Voices of Reason Podcast in which hosts Amy Donaldson and Jasen Lee talk with Utah candidates running for federal office. The podcasts offer unique depth into the candidates’ priorities, backgrounds and reasons for running to represent the citizens of Utah. This is an effort to help voters learn more about those running for office and their positions on critical local and national issues.

SALT LAKE CITY — If Jenny Wilson has learned anything from her time as a Salt Lake County Council member, it’s that a balanced political system is more inclusive and more effective than one dominated by a single party or ideology.

“I have felt for some time that we need more balance in government,” she said. “I have great Republican colleagues, I work with them. We work across party lines on the Salt Lake County Council. But we don’t have enough Democrats in the legislature. I think we’re missing that balance.”

Wilson discussed her Utah roots, her political mentors, and why she decided to run for the U.S. Senate in the seat being vacated by Orin Hatch in a special series of podcasts with Voices of Reason.

In the episode, the fifth-generation Utahn and mother of two teenage boys talks about how that imbalance actually hurts Utah when it comes to national issues, and why compromise and cooperation are far better strategies than one party dominating the other.

She points to the successes of the Salt Lake County Council as an example of how putting problem-solving before political party victories has benefited citizens.

“We have that really great balance and we’re able to, we’re actually forced to work together and we don’t think about party first,” she said. “I think we need that in Congress.”

Wilson believes not having Democrats in the Utah delegation hurts Utah on critical issues, especially public lands.

When President Donald Trump’s budget cut payments to counties with public lands, they had to rely on a Democrat from Oregon to lead the effort to get those payments increased.

“I think it’s critical for Utah to have a Democrat back in the delegation,” Wilson said.

She believes this election will bring an influx of people willing to get back to solving problems, rather than fighting about party politics.

“I think we’re going to see some changes in this Congress,” she said. “So I hope we’re not so divided…that we can rally together. That’s my hope.”

Wilson discussed a number of other important national and local issues in the podcast, including gerrymandering and the dangers of concentrated political power.

“I don’t think elected officials should choose their people,” she said. “People should choose their elected officials. And that’s the problem.”

To hear the full interview with Wilson and other candidates running for congressional office in Utah, subscribe to the Voices of Reason podcast wherever you find interesting podcasts.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Elections

Former President Donald Trump, speaks to reporters as he leaves the courtroom during a lunch break ...

ERIC TUCKER, ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and TERRY SPENCER

Judge rejects Trump’s bid to throw out classified documents case

A federal judge on Thursday rejected a bid by Donald Trump to throw out out his classified documents criminal case.

14 days ago

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally Saturda...

JILL COLVIN Associated Press

Trump wins delegates needed to become GOP’s presumptive nominee for third straight election

With wins in Georgia, Mississippi and Washington state, Trump surpassed the 1,215-delegate threshold needed to become the presumptive Republican nominee.

16 days ago

President Joe Biden speaks in Columbia, S.C., Jan. 27, 2024....

ZEKE MILLER AP White House Correspondent

President Joe Biden has won enough delegates to clinch the 2024 Democratic nomination

President Joe Biden, clinched a second straight Democratic nomination Tuesday and set up an all-but-certain rematch with Donald Trump

16 days ago

Caucus Republican...

Curt Gresseth

Utah GOP chair addresses Super Tuesday caucus meltdown

The Utah GOP chair acknowledged some caucus meetings saw"challenges" on Super Tuesday, but he said overall things went smoothly.

22 days ago

Republicans gather at Olympus High School in Holladay for caucus meetings on Tuesday, March 5, 2024...

Becky Bruce

Utah GOP party members differ on 2024 caucus turnout

The Utah GOP caucus turnout was three times as high in the 2020 presidential primary than yesterday, a Utah GOP caucus leader said.

22 days ago

People check in to caucus at Brighton High School on Tuesday, March 5....

Mariah Maynes

Utah voters share thoughts on Tuesday’s caucus

KSL NewsRadio's Aimee Cobabe spoke with voters at one caucus who shared their reasons for attending and their opinions of the experience. 

22 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Candidate Conversation: Jenny Wilson for Senate