Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, is pictured on the first day of the legislative session at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)
Results for 15 Utah Senate seats that were on the ballot may not be yet certified, but with many races apparently decided, the Utah Senate Democrats chose minority leadership at a caucus meeting Friday. While some names may be familiar, there was a little restructuring in an all-female group of leaders.
Salt Lake City Democratic Sen. Luz Escamilla is returning as minority leader, a spot she has held since 2023. She’s a banker who last general session sponsored a few health care bills, including an annual update of the state’s medical cannabis code and legislation aimed to include coverage for doula services under Medicaid.
Also a resident of Salt Lake City’s west side, she has advocated for air quality regulations and child care programs.
“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,” Escamilla said in a news release. “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.”
Sen. Karen Kwan, D-Taylorsville, a psychology associate professor at Salt Lake Community College, will now serve as minority whip. Kwan’s seat was challenged by West Valley City Republican Rep. Judy Weeks-Rohner. However, unofficial results show that Kwan is leading that contest by about 13 percentage points.
This is a change from last year, when Sen. Kathleen Riebe, D-Cottonwood Heights, held that role. Riebe, a teacher, will now serve as minority caucus manager, replacing Sen. Stephanie Pitcher, D-Salt Lake City in that leadership position. Pitcher’s district wasn’t on the ballot this election cycle. She’s expected to keep her seat at the Senate until 2027.
Sen. Jen Plumb, D-Salt Lake City, a physician who was elected to the Legislature in 2022, was reelected as minority assistant whip.
House Democrats haven’t met to elect their new set of leaders. More information may be available after a caucus meeting planned for Nov. 19.
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