Brian King’s Monthly Update - October
Happy Halloween!
Politically, October brought us many tricks with few treats. Utah’s elected leaders in Congress and the state legislature seem to revel in creating chaos and ignoring the needs and desires of Utahns. In Congress, every member of Utah’s delegation continues to act without Utahns’ interests motivating them, but rather, Donald Trump. They refuse to raise a finger of opposition to his efforts to dismantle our constitutional republic.
By their action and inaction, our six congressional members approve of Trump’s corruption, incompetence, cruelty, and commitment to establishing an autocratic oligarchy. Here’s my take on the latest…
An Update on Redistricting and Republican Cuts
At the state level, GOP leadership has been creative in their struggles to ignore the will of the people and impose congressional voting maps that do not measure up to fair redistricting standards. And at the local level, we’ve seen the Republican controlled Salt Lake County Council vote along party lines to cut funding for child care services at County facilities. All these actions continue to impose real burdens in the lives of working Utahns.
Chaos Reigns During GOP Shutdown as Utah Families Hit Hard as SNAP Benefits End (or do they?)
The most immediate hardship upon Utahns begins tomorrow as the federal government shutdown causes cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps. Republicans control both the White House and Congress. They are responsible for the government shutdown that began on October 1st. As the shutdown continues, the pain spreads. SNAP provides essential food assistance to 177,000 people in Utah, about 86,000 separate households. Low-income families are hit the hardest.
When SNAP goes away tomorrow, local food assistance programs such as the Utah Food Bank do not have anywhere near the resources to fill the gap. And Utah’s legislative and executive branch Republican leaders have made clear they are not going to step in and provide anything near replacement funds for these individuals. Yesterday Gov. Cox and legislative leaders pledged $500,000 a week to the Utah Food Bank for up to 8 weeks.
That may sound like a lot of money and it is not meaningless. But half a million dollars each week is less than 10% of what Utahns actually have been receiving in SNAP benefits. In other words, what the Governor and legislature are proposing is a Band-Aid on a gaping wound.
This crisis reveals the inconsistency of Utah’s Republican leaders. For decades they have complained about federal government overreach. So, with about $1.5 billion sitting in its rainy-day fund right now, Utah has the opportunity to directly meet local, statewide food needs estimated to cost $30 million or so dollars over the next few weeks. But state Senate President Stuart Adams has said Utah “is not equipped to fund federal programs for weeks or months in the absence of congressional action.” Think about that.
And here’s the thing that angers me the most about this situation. Republicans up and down the political spectrum have argued that Utah relies too much on unreliable federal funding for necessary programs. This federal shutdown proves those fears had some justification. But when the shortfall they have warned about comes to our door, are they willing to step up and ensure Utahns don’t suffer? Not in a meaningful way.
They refuse to put the rainy-day money where their mouth is. Utah’s GOP leadership is reflecting that same callousness and indifference toward vulnerable Utahns that Trump and his minions show without care about those who struggle the most.
In Times of Crisis, We Take Care of Each Other
Here's what I’m committing to and asking you to join me in doing. Find a local entity today that you know and trust and contribute funds or food that will help bridge this gap. Identifying the reasons for these problems and holding political bad actors accountable is essential, so is serving others who need our help.
Whether it is the Utah Food Bank, Crossroads Urban Center or the Food Justice Coalition, let’s do what we can to help those in need.
Utahns Are Standing Up for Democracy
Utah shows up! From Cache Valley to Price, from Moab to Salt Lake City, people across this state are uniting to say enough: enough corruption, enough political overreach, and enough government for the few at the expense of the many. Utahns believe in a democracy that works for people, not billionaires. Together, we’re showing up, speaking out, and demanding accountability. Staying engaged in this movement is how we protect our values, our communities, and our future. To find an event near you, click here.
(Left to right: Vice Chair Susan Merrill and the second gentleman Steve, rally attendees, former DNC Committee Member Darlene McDonald, Board Member John Arthur, Executive Director Jade Velazquez, Chair King and his amazing wife Ann)
“Come Home” Campaign Delivers Record Democratic Growth
Last month’s “Come Home” campaign sparked one of the strongest surges in Democratic engagement we’ve seen all year. Since launch just a few weeks ago, Utah gained almost 2,000 new Democratic registrations, while Republican registrations dropped by 400. For several consecutive weeks, Democratic registration growth hit between 600 and 800 new voters—our highest numbers of 2025. Even more telling, Republicans have posted negative registration numbers every week since the campaign began, marking a complete reversal of earlier trends. While the official GRAMA data is still pending, these early results make one thing clear: the message is resonating, and Utah Democrats are coming home.
Celebrating Dr. Rosemary Lesser, our 2025 Eleanor Roosevelt Award Winner
We are proud to congratulate Dr. Rosemary Lesser on receiving the 2025 Eleanor Roosevelt Award from the Utah Democratic Party.
Dr. Lesser’s lifetime of service as an Air Force physician, OB/GYN, and Utah State Representative reflects the values of courage, compassion, and commitment that define this honor. Her work to advance public health, equity, and opportunity has made a lasting difference in communities across Utah.
Congratulations to Dr. Lesser on this well-deserved recognition.
Did you see?
Join Us in Welcoming DNC Vice Chair Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta
We’re excited to invite you to a special evening in support of Representative Malcolm Kenyatta on Wednesday, November 5th at 7:00 PM at Squatters Pub Brewery in downtown Salt Lake City.
This event is hosted by Suzanne Harrison, Natalie Pinkney, Jiro Johnson, and Sheila Srivastava, and will be a great opportunity to connect with leaders from across Utah and hear from one of the most dynamic voices in the Democratic Party.
Squatters Pub Brewery
147 W Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Wednesday, November 5 at 7:00 PM
In Closing
Remember, your vote is your voice. Call 3 friends, text 10 friends, and get those ballots into drop boxes by 8pm on Tuesday or vote in person. For now, Utah has same-day voter registration. It’s not too late. Keep strong and keep fighting. We’re all in this together and we’ll see it through.
