Utah Senator Daniel Thatcher has announced his decision to leave the Republican Party after growing frustrated with the party’s shift in tone and tactics. Thatcher, who has been a vocal critic of GOP leadership, is joining the Utah Forward Party, making him the first third-party lawmaker in the Legislature since 2016.
Thatcher cited the Republican Party’s unwillingness to listen to constituents and its support for bills that limit individual freedoms as reasons for his departure. He expressed his belief that a third-party presence is needed in order to break the deadlock between the two major parties.
His decision to switch parties comes after clashes on the Senate floor with Senate President Stuart Adams, who expressed support for Thatcher’s decision. The move, while rare, is not unprecedented in Utah politics, with other lawmakers having switched parties in the past.
Thatcher’s reputation as a renegade Republican was solidified by his frequent disagreements with the party on key votes, such as his opposition to a bill banning transgender girls from competing in high school sports and a major tax overhaul. He has also criticized recent legislation targeting ballot initiatives, public employee unions, LGBTQ individuals, and immigration.
Thatcher’s decision to leave the Republican Party after more than a decade in office reflects his growing disillusionment with the party and its policies. As he joins the Utah Forward Party, he aims to bring a new perspective to the Legislature and advocate for the interests of all Utah residents.
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