Brian King’s Monthly Update - November
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day weekend!
Ours was spent with family and friends who gathered from just miles away, Florida and Mongolia. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because gratitude is the foundation of so many other positive traits and feelings. I’m humbled by all I have to be grateful for.
The Utah Democratic Party had a busy and productive November! We continue to build the infrastructure of the party to ensure we elect more Democrats in 2026. We’ve hired Kaitlin Tunstall as our new Communications Manager and Daniel DeBry as our new Organizing Director. Kaitlin has been leading strategic political communications programs in Washington DC, Alaska, and New York for several national campaigns and advocacy groups including Alaska for Harris Walz. Daniel is a native Utahn and has worked for many local Democrats including Rep. Grant Miller and Councilman Jiro Johnson.
We are thrilled to have them both working with us! Keep an eye out for more information as we welcome them to the team.
Here’s a snapshot of the wins, momentum, and updates shaping our path to 2026...
Building Democratic Energy in Utah County
We had our fourth quarter Central Committee meeting a couple of weeks ago in Orem. Shasti Conrad, the Chair of the Washington Democratic Party and one of our Vice Chairs of the Democratic National Committee, joined us. It was inspiring to hear her enthusiasm and passion for this work. The Utah County Democrats were wonderful hosts. I sense a lot of momentum building to elect more Democrats in Utah’s second most populous county. We are going to see more Democrats running for offices with success in Utah County!
Counterclockwise left to right: Attendees at the Q4 Central Committee Meeting in Orem, Utah, Political Director Olivia Anderson trains the group on getting involved in the legislative session, DNC Vice Chair Shasti Conrad poses with a group at the Taco Bout Democracy Fundraiser in Utah County, DNC Committee Members Clare Collard and Brad Townley, Chair King, Vice Chair Merrill preside over the Q4 CC meeting
Strong Democratic Wins in Communities Statewide
Election day earlier this month brought us all tremendous news. We had many candidates in local, non-partisan, races across the state where Democrats we supported won critical elections. Our three candidates for Ogden City Council won against two incumbents and captured an open seat. And we had success in getting many city mayors and councilors elected in Salt Lake, Summit, and rural counties.
This demand for change in elected leadership is just getting started with the 2026 election year almost upon us! The filing period for candidates running for office in 2026 starts on Friday, January 2nd, and closes at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 8th.
Ring in the New Year with Fellow Democrats
Please put on your calendar that we are going to have a wonderful New Year’s Ball at The Depot at the Union Pacific train station on Friday, January 9th! We’ll have a live jazz band, delicious food, and plenty of time to enjoy the company of fellow Democrats. We look forward to seeing you there! More details to follow…
November on the Road with Utah Democrats
November was a busy and energizing month for the Utah Democratic Party. We kicked things off with multiple election night parties across the state to celebrate big wins in local races. I traveled to Moab, Logan, Roosevelt, and Orem as part of our UDP Roadshow, meeting with county parties, candidates, and volunteers who are building real momentum for 2026. We were honored to host two of our DNC Vice Chairs, Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta and Washington State Chair Shasti Conrad, whose visits brought inspiration and national support to our work. I also had the chance to attend a beautiful fundraiser with the Cache County Democrats at a local winery, where Senator Luz Escamilla joined as the guest speaker. It was a month full of energy, community, and progress for Democrats across Utah. I’d love to see you at an upcoming event!
Counterclockwise left to right: Executive Committee members with our eastern Utah team, Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta addresses Utah voters, a beautiful Harry Reid Awards Dinner with the Cache Valley Dems
In Closing
Finally, we are all seeing and feeling the difference that we desire. We know that Utahns are recognizing to a greater degree that today’s Republican party is continually abusing its power, both at the federal and state level. My friend, David Irvine, retired Army brigadier general and former Utah Republican state legislator, wrote a beautiful op-ed that captured well the need that voters have to elect individuals who are committed to serve those who vote for them, not simply line their own pockets or look out for the interests of their friends and family. You can read it here.
Until next time,
Brian King
Chair
Utah Democratic Party
PS: Save the date for our next State Central Committee meeting in Davis County!
