Former Utah attorney general candidate Michelle Quist has been announced as the chair of the newly merged United Utah Party and Forward Party. This merge is seen as a move to provide a viable alternative to the traditional two-party system that has left many voters feeling underrepresented. Quist, who ran unsuccessfully for attorney general in 2024, aims to bring a fresh perspective to Utah politics with a focus on government process rather than strict policy outcomes.
The United Utah Party, founded in 2017, and the Forward Party, created in 2021 by Andrew Yang, both prioritize transparency, free market solutions, and increasing voter access. They are not tied to strict ideologies but instead aim to promote problem solving and decrease partisanship. The merged party will bring together members from both executive committees to create a cohesive leadership structure.
The decision to merge comes amidst growing frustration with the Republican Party in Utah, with Senator Dan Thatcher being the first to leave the GOP and join the Forward Party. This move was supported by Senate President Stuart Adams, who cited the need for different ideas in a polarized political environment.
Despite never having elected a candidate to office, the newly merged party aims to shake up the political landscape in Utah and provide a voice for those who feel left out of the current system. With Quist at the helm, the party hopes to challenge the status quo and offer a new way forward for Utah politics.
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