Darren Parry, Democrat for 1st District
Democratic nominee, U.S. Representative, Utah
Darren Parry, a Democrat seeking election to the U.S. House of Representatives in Utah’s 1st congressional district, serves as a tribal leader of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, a Utah tribe.
Parry is a former chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation. He also teaches American Indian History once a semester at Utah State University.
Parry attended the University of Utah and Weber State University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with an emphasis on history.
Parry was selected to represent Democrats on the ballot in the 1st district race during the state primary on June 30, 2020.
Economy
Parry’s economic plan includes three steps: strengthing infrastructure, investing in youth, and building international relationships.
On his website, Parry says the U.S. needs to start investing in working-class citizens, specifically in rural America.
“Broadband investment, as well as investment in vital infrastructure, will provide thousands of jobs while improving the lives and productivity of millions of Americans,” said Parry.
Additionally, Parry says propping up the nation’s youth through access to education will benefit the economy.
Education
Parry wants to strengthen the public education system for everyone.
“I want to create an America where no matter your race, economic status, or geography, someone can change their life for the better,” said Parry on his website.
Public Lands
Parry believes public lands need to stay in public hands. He wants to protect public lands from transfers, sales, and losing federal designation.
He says he will work to support the interests of hunters and anglers.
“Public lands benefit all Utahns by providing access for everyone to enjoy the outdoors whether they hunt, fish, hike, climb, or trail run,” said Parry on his website.
“It should be our priority to protect public lands and the shared heritage they provide for Utahns of all backgrounds.”
Parry also states public lands should be preserved for future generations.
Climate Change
Parry believes in climate change and thinks America needs to be the leader against climate change.
On his website, he says America can battle climate change by “adopting emissions-reduction goals with measurable results,” and “preserving open spaces, increasing housing options, and linking transportation.”
Additional steps Parry would take include working closely with rural communities regarding coal/oil production and increasing the use of electric vehicles.
Parry also supports the Green New Deal.
Immigration
Parry states very clearly that he never has and never will support a wall along the U.S. Mexico border.
He supports the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Act (DACA) and the Deferred Action for Parent Arrivals Act (DAPA). Parry also supports a pathway to legal citizenship for migrants coming to and living in the U.S.
Additionally, Parry supports “Blue Cards,” allowing immigrant agricultural workers to legally work in the U.S. if they have worked on farmland for 100 days.
“Farmworkers who maintain Blue Card status for the next three-five years, depending on hours worked in agriculture would be eligible to adjust to lawful permanent residence,” said Parry on his website.
Healthcare
Parry wants to make healthcare more accessible for the American people.
“No family should go bankrupt from having a child with disabilities. No person should need to pay for medicine for a disease they didn’t ask for. This means that we all will be universally covered when it comes to certain conditions and illnesses,” said Parry on his website.
Additionally, Parry is an advocate for mental health resources and transparency when it comes to prescription drug prices.
Second Amendment
Parry says he supports the right to bare arms.