Utah delegates are energized and hopeful during Democratic National Convention

A sign marks the gathering spot for Utah's delegates at the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. (Photo by Ariana Figueroa/States Newsroom)

After the first day at the Democratic National Convention, in the midst of a tumultuous campaign, with a late change of plans for the presidential nomination, Utah delegates feel energized and hopeful.

On Monday, the Utah delegation sat near Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic candidates for the top ticket. Throughout the night, which included a speech from President Joe Biden , passing the torch to Harris, the energy was “electric,” delegates told Utah News Dispatch on Tuesday.

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The 34 Utah delegates had already unanimously pledged their support to Harris soon after Biden dropped out of the race. They kept their stance throughout an initial virtual roll call and during the ceremonial nomination on Tuesday night.

“Utah, home of eight tribal nations, the crossroads of the west, the Beehive State, the host of the 2034 Winter Olympics, the youngest and fastest-growing state in the nation, and the next battleground state. Mr. secretary, we proudly cast 34 votes for Vice-President Kamala Harris,” said Utah Democratic Party chair Diane Lewis during the roll call.

Alejandro Puy, a Democratic delegate and Salt Lake City Council member, was among those listening to the remarks live in Chicago. He witnessed Harris and Walz’s candor and emotion from just a few feet away, he said.

“I think that this is an incredible moment in our history where we can heal our differences,” Puy said. “Ultimately, we’re all Americans. Me, as a new American, I share the same concerns that many in my neighborhood share.”

Puy is feeling good after Biden’s exit from the race. Now Democrats can “finally start talking about policy,” he said, praising actions from the Biden administration, including lowering the cost of prescription drugs and passing a bipartisan infrastructure bill in a divided congress.

Each day at the convention starts with a 7 a.m. breakfast and announcements, followed by caucus meetings and later the big convention events late into the night. Other notable Utah Democratic candidates, such as state Rep. Brian King, who is running for Utah Governor, and adventurer and influencer Caroline Gleich, a nominee for U.S. Senate, also attended the convention .

Though Ben Peck, a delegate who is also the vice president of the Young Democrats of Utah, doesn’t typically enjoy massive events like this, he said he was pleasantly surprised by how fun the experience has been so far, sharing a big room with people who share his political views.

“The vibes are great. Everybody’s happy,” Peck said. “If we end up having to wait for a while or wait in line, everybody’s super friendly, just getting to talk and meet with people from all over the country and talk about how we’re all so excited to get to work.”

Biden delivers late-night farewell to Democrats as he passes the torch to Harris

Harris is the right candidate at this moment, Puy said, listing her experience as a prosecutor and as a lawmaker. His hope is that her administration brings more healing and unity to the country.

“This is the party that doesn’t demonize me and doesn’t demonize my skin color or my accent. So I’m looking forward to more of that,” Puy said.

Catherine Voutaz, another delegate, who is also running for Utah State Auditor, is also excited about Harris’ candidacy. While she was surprised by the change to the ticket, she said everyone quickly got on board.

“We are a resilient set of people and we can overcome anything. And I think that message is going to resonate, especially in the swing states, and we’re going to see a lot of changes happening,” Voutaz said. “We’re hopeful for a landslide, but we know that it’s a tight race, and we need to work really hard to get everybody to come out and vote.”

In Utah, Republican nominee Donald Trump received over 58% of votes in 2020, while Biden got about 38%. The state has historically voted red. However, Puy said, synergy from Utah is important “to change some minds and some hearts” in local elections.

“We are not going to flip any of the chambers in our state, but we hope that we can bring some balance,” Puy said. “I think the Republican Party is better when they are balanced, when there are balances of ideas and healthy debate, and that is important.”

Utah Democrats can also help neighboring states with either their funding, or their time, he added.

Peck, who has been working on Utah elections for six years, said he’s not “under any delusions about what will happen to Utah this year.” However, he’s more optimistic about the prospects for other races in the state.

“Those are the kind of races that I think that Democrats in Utah should really be focusing on, and that we have the chance to make a real difference on, because those local offices are where we can have a tremendous impact,” Peck said.

After the official roll call, Lewis, the chair of the Utah Democratic Party, called Utahns to get involved in the movement.

“Whether you are a Republican, a Democrat, or unaffiliated from any party, all Utahns have a common set of values. We care about our family, we care about our community, and we care about our state,” Lewis said in a statement. “I know that Utahns will join us in electing local candidates that share Kamala Harris’ commitment to freedom: people like Representative Brian King, Caroline Gleich, and Mayor Jenny Wilson.”

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