Utah Democratic Party name Senate and House leadership

Salt Lake City, Utah – The Democratic Party of Utah elected leaders for the Senate and the House on Friday, November 8, just after the election on November 5, and on Tuesday, November 19, the House Democrats did the same.

The following will be the Senate Democrats’ leadership:

• Minority Leader: Senator Luz Escamilla, District 10
• Minority Whip: Senator Karen Kwan, District 12
• Minority Assistant Whip: Senator Jennifer Plumb, District 9
• Minority Caucus Manager: Senator Kathleen Riebe, District 15

According to a statement from Senate Minority Leader Senator Luz Escamilla, “I am honored to continue serving as Senate Minority Leader and to continue serving with the Senate Minority Caucus to represent and stand up for all Utahns, especially those who often feel underserved and underrepresented in our Capitol.”

As the first Latina elected to the Utah State Senate and the first immigrant elected to the Utah State Legislature, Escamilla was elected to the Utah State Senate from District 10, which includes West Valley City and the western portion of Salt Lake County, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

“We’ll keep working with the Majority to develop good policies—always maintaining integrity, respect, and the principles that make our Senate and our state stronger,” she declared.
On Tuesday evening, November 19, the Senate announced its leadership. The House’s leadership is as follows:

• House Democratic Leader: Angela Romero, House District 25
• House Democratic Whip: Jen Dailey-Provost, House District 22
• House Democratic Assistant Whip: Sahara Hayes, House District 32
• House Democratic Caucus Manager: Doug Owens, House District 33

Doug Owens and Sahara Hayes are both taking over for former leaders. Rosemary Lesser is replaced by Owens, while Sandra Hollins is replaced by Hayes.

Our colleagues’ faith and confidence in us to lead the Utah House Democratic Caucus is an honor. According to a statement from the new caucus, “We will push for legislation that makes our state more prosperous, inclusive, and equitable, and we will advance policies that prioritize the well-being of all Utahns.”

House District 32, which includes South Salt Lake and the southeast corner of Salt Lake City, is where Hayes is from. Owens is from House District 33, which encompasses Holladay and the Wasatch Mountains bench beneath Mount Olympus.

“We are dedicated to elevating the voices of people who feel marginalized, ignored, or unheard. The caucus stated, “We will make sure that every Utahn has a seat at the table and that their needs and aspirations shape the policies we pursue by listening, engaging, and acting with purpose.”