The Forward Party of Utah unveiled a groundbreaking, voter-inclusive plan on August 5 to select a replacement for Senator Daniel Thatcher, challenging the traditional delegate-only process used to fill midterm vacancies in the state legislature. The initiative, aimed at Senate District 11, seeks to grant all district voters the power to decide who represents them following Thatcher's announcement that he intends to resign prior to the 2026 general legislative session.
Challenging the Appointment System
The proposed selection process marks a significant departure from current Utah political norms. According to a press release from the Forward Party of Utah, roughly one in four Utah legislators currently serving their first term assumed office through a closed-door, delegate-only special replacement process. The party noted that in such instances, less than one percent of the voters in the district participate, and once appointed, these lawmakers enjoy a 97% incumbency reelection rate.
Michelle Quist, Chair of the Forward Party of Utah, stated that the party is moving away from a system she believes is designed to protect a political elite. She argued that the new process gives the people of District 11 the power to decide their representation, asserting that parties do not own these seats, but people do.
New Candidate Requirements
Under the new guidelines, any eligible resident of Utah Senate District 11 may apply to fill the seat by submitting a Declaration of Intent by November 11, 2025. To qualify, applicants must change their party affiliation to the Forward Party of Utah by the same deadline. The process also requires candidates to sign a Forward Party Candidate Pledge, commit to running for reelection on the party ticket in 2026, undergo a background check, and complete a candidate application packet for voter review.
To maintain a streamlined ballot, the Forward Party stated it may implement a paring down process if more than five candidates apply, aiming to narrow the field to no more than five finalists. All finalists will receive equal exposure through party-hosted channels, including a moderated online debate scheduled for one week before polls open.
Digital Voting and Reform
The selection process will also serve as a testing ground for new election technologies. The Forward Party announced the use of secure digital voting technology, which is expected to cost less than half of Utah's current vote-by-mail system. This digital method will be paired with an alternative voting method that allows voters to express support for more than one candidate.
All eligible voters in Senate District 11, regardless of their current party affiliation, will be invited to participate in the preference poll. The party intends for the process to be a reflection of an open primary election system, a move that may garner national interest from election clerks and reform advocates as a potential test case for vacancy filling.
Thatcher's Resignation and Impact
The decision to hold an open vote follows Senator Daniel Thatcher's announcement of his intention to resign. Thatcher, who was first elected to the Utah State Senate at age 32, stated that his primary obligation is to his constituents rather than any political party. He noted that he has served more than half his adult life in the Senate and expressed pride in his record of listening to voters from all parties.
Thatcher's resignation will leave the Senate District 11 seat vacant. According to the Utah State Senate roster, the district is currently represented by Emily Buss, who serves the Salt Lake and Tooele areas. The Forward Party's initiative aims to ensure the transition is transparent and honors the will of the voters through an open and honest replacement process.
Party Leadership and Values
The Forward Party of Utah, which was formed following a 2025 merger with the United Utah Party, operates under an Executive Committee with equal representation from both legacy parties. The party's leadership includes Chair Michelle Quist, Vice Chair David Hinckley, and Campaigns Director Ladd Johnson. Other key leaders include Communications Director Phil Boileau, Secretary Patricia Bradford, and Treasurer Lynn Taylor.
The party's stated values focus on 'Rights, Reason, Respect,' emphasizing the belief that everyday Americans should decide what is best for their communities. The organization aims to build a political alternative that puts power back into the hands of voters through competition, evidence, and respect over rigid partisanship.
Timeline for Selection
The proposed timeline for the replacement process includes a candidate application deadline of November 15, 2025, followed by the public announcement of finalists on November 18. The online voting system is scheduled to open on December 8 and close on December 11, with the winner to be announced by the Forward Utah Executive Committee on December 12.
As the process unfolds, the Forward Party has committed to optimal transparency, promising to provide detailed reasons for any changes to the schedule. Qualified members of the press will be granted access to observe and report on the proceedings to ensure accountability.
District Representation Information
Legislative districts in Utah are managed through official GIS mapping systems to determine representation. Users can determine their specific State Senator and House Representative by entering their street address and zip code through the official Lehi City and state resources.
