Wasatch County Democrats see record caucus turnout

About 100 Wasatch County Democrats gathered at Midway Town Hall, signaling a shift in political engagement from community members eager to see change in local government.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:19am

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The Wasatch County Democratic Party caucus saw a record turnout of about 100 people, three times the number who attended in the past two cycles. Party Chair Michelle Mallery said the increased participation signals a 'tide turn' in the community's political engagement. Attendees included both long-time Democrats and new residents looking to get involved and prompt change at the local level.

Why it matters

The strong turnout at the Democratic caucus in the traditionally Republican Wasatch County suggests a growing political shift, with new residents and long-time Democrats seeking to have a greater voice in local government. This could lead to more competitive races and a more diverse set of candidates and elected officials in the county.

The details

The Democratic caucus was more of a town hall than an election, allowing attendees to hear from candidates, meet with others in their precincts, and get more involved in the political process. Party members cited a desire for change, better communication from delegates, and more accountability from elected officials as motivations for their increased participation. Several attendees, including some former Republicans, said they were looking to support candidates who could work across the aisle and make 'good decisions' by 'hearing more than one voice'.

  • The Wasatch County Democratic Party caucus was held on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.
  • The Democratic Party county convention will be held on April 8, 2026.

The players

Michelle Mallery

The Wasatch County Democratic Party Chair who said the caucus turnout exceeded expectations and signaled a 'tide turn' in the community's political engagement.

Pat Kohler

The Democratic Party treasurer who has been involved in local politics for more than 25 years and was thrilled to see the increased turnout, attributing it to new residents.

Rudi Kohler

Pat Kohler's husband, who said it's more important than ever for community members to get involved in local politics to 'make a change through the councils, through the mayor'.

Celeste Johnson

The former Midway mayor who is now running for state office and was cited by attendees as a top pick for candidate due to her bipartisanship and ability to 'cross lines to vote' with Republicans.

Patrick Saucier

The County Council Seat A candidate who attended the caucus to 'learn from the community about what they want out of their councilors'.

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What they’re saying

“It really feels like a tide turn here.”

— Michelle Mallery, Wasatch County Democratic Party Chair

“We have more people who are new here, not old Democrats. We have new Democrats, and Democrats need new blood. And I think we're there. We're finally there.”

— Pat Kohler, Democratic Party treasurer

“I don't think the Republicans represent the things that I care about, or anyone around me cares about. They don't seem like the Republican Party that I remember.”

— Robert McNeill

“The problem we have in the country as a whole is that we don't come together. Good decisions aren't made with tunnel vision. Good decisions are made by hearing more than one voice.”

— Marilyn Crittenden

“The greatest trick the leaders in this state have ever pulled is convincing Democrats that we have no political power. Well, my campaign will be to counter that narrative.”

— Micah Kagan, House District 59 candidate

What’s next

The Democratic Party county convention will be held on April 8, 2026, where delegates chosen at the caucus will vote for the party's nominees.

The takeaway

The strong turnout at the Wasatch County Democratic caucus signals a growing political shift in the traditionally Republican county, with new residents and long-time Democrats seeking to have a greater voice in local government. This could lead to more competitive races and a more diverse set of candidates and elected officials in the county, as attendees expressed a desire for change, better communication from delegates, and more accountability from elected officials.