Utah Democratic Party organizing convention this weekend

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Democratic Party delegates will gather Saturday morning at Ogden High School to choose their new leader and to discuss how to move forward toward the midterm elections.

Delegates will cast votes for the Utah Democratic Party chair, vice chair, secretary and treasurer.

Who’s looking to lead the Utah Democratic Party in 2025?

Former Democratic candidate for Utah governor Brian King is eyeing the party chair. The state legislator and former House minority leader has said he wants to transform whatever frustration the party and its members may be feeling into momentum.

Ben Peck, the executive director of the Salt Lake County Democratic Party, is also running for the Utah Democratic Party chair. He said the party needs year-round organizing and consistency.

Jonathon Lopez ran for Congress in 2024, but before that, he volunteered and organized with several local Democratic leaders. He is also running for the chair.

And Archie Williams III, an independent who ran for lieutenant governor and U.S. Senate in 2024, hopes to win enough votes to represent Utah Democrats as their chair.

The vote is expected to be finalized by Saturday night.

Utah delegates will vote on two resolutions

Democratic delegates at the convention on Saturday will also vote to approve or reject two resolutions.

As stated on the party’s website, Resolution 1 “condemns efforts to extend presidential tenure beyond two terms.” 

Resolution 2 “condemns mass workforce reductions and benefit cuts in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Diane Lewis, outgoing chair of the Utah Democratic Party, said Resolution 2 encourages state and federal leaders to think about veterans when making decisions about layoffs.

The Trump administration has focused on reducing the federal workforce by terminating probational employees and by enacting reductions in force. 

“The resolution is calling for no more layoffs of federal employees. Especially at the federal hospitals and things like that,” Lewis said.

Citing a memo from VA Chief of Staff Christopher Syrek, the American Legion reported that, come August 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs expects to reduce its workforce by 80,000 jobs.

Outgoing chair happy about bridge-building efforts

Lewis told KSL NewsRadio that she’s looking forward to seeing fellow Democrats.

“Just getting together and seeing all the excitement that we’ve had across the state with new people coming in and being excited. I think we’re going to have a good turnout,” she said.

Lewis said she spent her time as party chair building bridges and that she’s proud of her efforts.

“The unions support the state party now, and I was able to build those relationships,” she said. “We’re so excited to have the union members with us in the [Utah] Democratic Party.”