Utah Sen. Dan Thatcher made headlines on Friday by announcing his departure from the Republican Party, joining the Forward Party as the first state lawmaker to do so. Thatcher, who has often voted against the GOP on issues such as LGBTQ rights and criminal enhancements, cited a growing disconnect between the party and the average Utahn as his reason for leaving.
Thatcher’s decision came after a standoff with Senate President Stuart Adams, who refused to acknowledge Thatcher for a comment on the Senate floor. While Adams and Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore wished Thatcher well, Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla confirmed that neither party would caucus with him.
The Forward Party, which focuses on election processes like ranked choice voting, welcomed Thatcher, with founding co-chair Andrew Yang praising his courage and leadership. The party has endorsed candidates in Utah elections, including Michelle Quist for Utah Attorney General in 2024.
Thatcher expressed disappointment for bills passed by his former colleagues during the legislative session, including those related to vote by mail security and amending the citizen ballot initiative process. Despite facing backlash for his decision, Thatcher stands firm in his belief that independent thinkers are needed in American politics.
With Thatcher’s move to the Forward Party, the landscape of Utah politics may see a shift towards more inclusive and cooperative governance, as the party advocates for decreased partisanship and a focus on problem-solving.
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