Utah Democrats have been out of power for 50 years. As the state changes, here’s how they think they can win.
The Salt Lake Tribune examines whether Utah Democrats can build broader support as the state’s population and politics change. It highlights opposition to the proposed Stratos data center campus in Box Elder County as an example of environmental activism that has brought voters from different political backgrounds together.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Utah Democrats see opportunities in population growth, changing Latter-day Saint voting patterns and concern over environmental issues. Democratic leaders and strategists point to protests against the proposed Stratos data center campus in Box Elder County as evidence that grassroots coalitions can mobilize voters, particularly newcomers and residents focused on protecting Utah’s land and water resources.
The article also notes that Utah remains firmly Republican, with national analysts cautioning against overstating the state’s political shift. Democrats are seeking to use environmental concerns, opposition to gerrymandering and local candidate recruitment to build support ahead of future elections, while acknowledging that many voters moving away from the GOP may not necessarily identify as Democrats.