According to insiders, the Utah Democratic Party has reached an historic low point — politically speaking, it’s on life support. No Democrat has held statewide office in a generation. The party holds no legislative seats outside of Salt Lake County, its longtime stronghold, and even there, its grip is slipping, with recent candidates unable to secure key victories. Some observers blame the extended losing streak on cultural misalignment. Or on internal divisions. Or structural disadvantages, poor candidate recruitment, limited fundraising ability and a toxic brand. It’s a long list. Yet, amid the bleakness, some find glimmers of hope. The political consultants and influencers Gabi Finlayson and Jackie Morgan actually think Utah could be the next red state to turn blue. And King, the new party chair, also sees the party's glass as half-full. It won’t be easy, he says, but if Democrats can thread the needle between progressive values and Utah's conservative culture, reconcile pragmatism with principle, and learn to speak to Utahns in a language that resonates, then they could begin to bring balance to Utah’s political playing field.
GUESTS —
Robert Gehrke | Reporter at The Salt Lake Tribune
Brian King | Utah Democratic Party Chair
Gabi Finlayson | Political Strategist with Elevate Strategies. You can watch their videos here.
Jackie Morgan | Political Strategist with Elevate Strategies. You can watch their videos here.
Airdate: Thurs., June 5, 2025 at 9 a.m. and Sat., June 7, 2025 at 11 a.m.