Salt Lake County Democrats are gearing up to select a successor for the vacant District 1 council seat, formerly held by Arlyn Bradshaw, who resigned on May 14 to join county Mayor Jenny Wilson’s administration.
The Democratic central committee members residing in District 1, which encompasses much of Salt Lake City and South Salt Lake along with parts of West Valley City, will convene on June 11 for a ranked-choice voting process to fill the position.
The chosen candidate will serve the remainder of Bradshaw’s term, which is set to expire in January 2027. Following the election, the Salt Lake County Council will formally appoint the elected successor within seven days.
The list of candidates vying for the position includes a diverse group of individuals, each bringing unique experiences and perspectives to the table.
Evan Done, the advocacy and public policy director for Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness, is among the candidates.
His background as a queer man in long-term recovery from substance abuse, combined with policy expertise, positions him well to address the challenges faced by Salt Lake County.
Tiffany Erickson, another contender from Salt Lake City’s west side, currently oversees external communications at PacifiCorp.
She has prior experience working in the county mayor’s office under Ben McAdams, giving her a solid foundation in local governance.
Nick Glenn, who serves as the executive director of the county Democratic Party, is also running.
He has a strong track record in campaign strategies at both nationwide and state levels, and is eager to transition into public office.
Jiro Johnson, an attorney and assistant director for the county’s public defenders office, lends his legal expertise to the race.
His involvement as president of the Utah Minority Bar Association highlights his commitment to advocating for justice and representation.
Tom Merrill, founder and principal of a healthcare policy advisory firm, also has a rich history of leadership in community organizations like the Downtown Community Council, making him a robust candidate.
Another notable candidate is Jeanette Padilla Vega, founder and CEO of the Food Justice Coalition, which partners with local farms and restaurants to combat hunger.
Her personal experiences as the daughter of Mexican immigrants and facing homelessness as a child fuel her passion for creating a just and inclusive Salt Lake County.
Billy Palmer, who previously served as director of campaigns for the ACLU of Utah, brings a wealth of community organizing experience.
He co-founded Let Utah Read, aiming to combat censorship in reading materials, and his efforts earned him recognition from former President Barack Obama.
Kevin S. Parke has long been involved in his community, having served as chair of the Rose Park Community Council since 2014, as well as holding various other community leadership roles.
Nate Salazar, who manages the nonfiction and audiovisual department at the downtown library, made history as the first Hispanic/Latino school board president in Utah this year.
Paul Sanchez currently serves on the South Salt Lake City Council, where he emphasizes transparency and fiscal responsibility.
Despite some controversy—he was arrested earlier this year after a council conflict leading to virtual meeting restrictions—Sanchez is committed to representing his constituents.
Valerie Stormont leads the nonprofit sector of Blueprint Public Affairs and has actively supported various organizations, including The Road Home and Planned Parenthood.
Her political experience also extends to roles such as PTA president and community organizer.
Mohan Sudabattula, founder and CEO of Project Embrace, which focuses on reducing health disparities, has previously pursued a different political path with a run for House District 42.
Nigel Swaby, who owns a marketing firm and has a license to practice real estate, brings an entrepreneurial flair and grassroots community involvement to his campaign.
Tenille Taggart, who serves as treasurer for the Utah Stonewall Democratic Caucus and works in various professional roles, is recognized for her significant contributions in mobilizing local action efforts.
Ana Valdemoros, a former Salt Lake City council member who advocated for affordable housing and small-business growth, rounds out the group of candidates.
Her extensive community involvement over her 25 years in downtown Salt Lake City showcases her commitment to local issues.
Lastly, Lori Wike, a principal bassoonist with the Utah Symphony and adjunct professor at the University of Utah, represents the arts community and actively engages with local government to advocate for cultural initiatives.
The upcoming election promises to be a significant moment for Salt Lake County as these 17 diverse candidates bring their expertise, differing backgrounds, and community-focused visions into the selection for the council seat.
Whether it’s through advocacy, community organizing, legal expertise, or cultural engagement, each candidate is poised to make an impact on the future of the county.
The diversity of experience among the candidates reflects the rich tapestry of the community they seek to represent, and their collective commitment to addressing the needs of Salt Lake County residents will undoubtedly shape the discussions leading up to the election.
image source from：https://www.sltrib.com/news/2025/05/30/salt-lake-county-dems-poised-elect/
