Utah Democratic Party name Senate and House leadership

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Utah's Democratic party named leaders for both the House and Senate, the Senate Dems named its leadership Friday, Nov. 8, shortly after the Nov. 5 election, and the House Dems named its leaders on Tuesday, Nov. 19.

The Senate Democrat leadership will be as follows:

Minority Leader: Senator Luz Escamilla, District 10

Minority Whip: Senator Karen Kwan, District 12

Minority Assistant Whip: Senator Jennifer Plumb, District 9

Minority Caucus Manager: Senator Kathleen Riebe, District 15

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"I am honored to continue serving as Senate Minority Leader and to continue serving with the Senate Minority Caucus to represent and stand up for all Utahns, especially those who often feel underserved and underrepresented in our Capitol," Senator Luz Escamilla, Minority Leader said in a statement.

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services , Escamilla, out of District 10 covering West Valley City and the western end of Salt Lake County, was elected to the Utah State Senate, becoming the first Latina elected in the Utah State Senate and the first immigrant elected in the Utah State Legislature.

"We will continue working collaboratively with the Majority to create good policy—always upholding integrity, respect, and the values that strengthen our Senate and our state," she said.

The Senate named its leadership on Tuesday night, Nov. 19, the leadership in the House is as follows:

House Democratic Leader: Angela Romero, House District 25

House Democratic Whip: Jen Dailey-Provost, House District 22

House Democratic Assistant Whip: Sahara Hayes, House District 32

House Democratic Caucus Manager: Doug Owens, House District 33

Both Sahara Hayes and Doug Owens are replacing members of the previous leadership. Hayes replaces Sandra Hollins and Owens replaces Rosemary Lesser.

"We are honored by the trust and confidence our colleagues have placed in us to lead the Utah House Democratic Caucus. We will advance policies that prioritize the well-being of all Utahns and advocate for legislation that makes our state more prosperous, inclusive, and equitable," a statement from the new caucus said.

Hayes is from House District 32, which covers South Salt Lake and the southeastern edge of Salt Lake City. Owens is from House District 33, covering Holladay and the bench below Mount Olympus extending into the Wasatch Mountains.

"We are committed to amplifying the voices of those who feel unheard, overlooked, or underrepresented. By listening, engaging, and acting with purpose, we will ensure that every Utahn has a seat at the table, and their needs and aspirations shape the policies we pursue," the caucus said.