With a Lawmaker Leaving, Utah's Forward Party Plans a New Way to Replace Him

Utah’s only third-party legislator says he intends to resign — but there’s a catch

Sen. Dan Thatcher, a former Republican from West Valley City who is now affiliated with the Utah Forward Party, speaks at a joint convention of the United Utah and Utah Forward parties, where members of both parties voted to merge into one. The convention took place at Salt Lake Community College in Taylorsville on April 26, 2025. (Courtesy of Utah Forward and United Utah parties)A Utah senator who left the Republican Party earlier this year to …

With a lawmaker leaving, Utah's Forward Party plans a new way to replace him

Sen. Daniel Thatcher, the Forward Party's lone member in the Utah State Legislature, announced his plans to resign from office ahead of the next session."I was first elected to the Utah State Senate at the age of 32, in a district that nobody thought would vote for a conservative. I won by listening and respecting voters from all parties. I have now served more than half my adult life. I am rightfully proud of the work Ive done, the friends Ive …

‘No matter the cost’: Sen. Daniel Thatcher, a thorn for Republican leaders, to resign from the Utah Legislature

After more than 14 years in the Utah Senate, which saw him defy his Republican Party leaders and eventually leave the party entirely, Sen. Daniel Thatcher abruptly announced Tuesday he will be stepping down.

Utah Sen. Daniel Thatcher Resigns, Giving Forward Party Control of Seat

Sen. Daniel Thatcher announces resignation before 2026 session, handing the Utah Forward Party—with just 2,400 voters statewide—control over his replacement.