Forward Party Sees Opportunity in Utah's Upcoming Elections

Andrew Yang urges Utahns to get involved and buck the two-party system at Forward Party state convention.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:20pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting in warm earth tones and cool blues, with overlapping geometric shapes and fractured lines, depicting a stylized political podium or lectern in motion, symbolizing the disruption of traditional party politics.The Forward Party's push to shake up Utah's political landscape reflects a growing desire for alternatives to the two-party system.Taylorsville Today

The Forward Party, a new centrist political movement co-founded by Andrew Yang, is eyeing Utah as a potential growth market in the upcoming elections. Yang appeared at the Forward Party of Utah's state convention on Saturday, where he criticized the Republican and Democratic parties and urged the crowd to get more involved with the Forward Party. The party is running 24 candidates across Utah this year and believes there is an opening for a viable third party in the state's strongly Republican political landscape.

Why it matters

Utah's political landscape has traditionally been dominated by the Republican Party, leaving little room for alternative political movements. The Forward Party sees an opportunity to gain a foothold in the state and demonstrate that a viable third party can thrive, potentially inspiring similar efforts in other parts of the country.

The details

At the Forward Party of Utah's state convention, Andrew Yang, the party's co-founder, criticized the Republican and Democratic parties, saying they are unable to solve problems for Americans. He urged the crowd of several hundred to get more involved with the Forward Party. The party is running 24 candidates in races up and down the ballot this year, and some Forwardists have opted to support other candidates in certain races where they believe the Forward Party candidate would act as a 'spoiler'.

  • The Forward Party of Utah's state convention was held on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • The upcoming elections in Utah that the Forward Party is targeting will take place later in 2026.

The players

Andrew Yang

Businessman, former presidential candidate, and co-founder of the Forward Party.

Mary Ann Kirk

A attendee of the Forward Party of Utah's state convention who recently left the Republican Party and is exploring the Forward Party as an alternative.

Anna Nizhoni

An attendee of the Forward Party of Utah's state convention who believes the Forward Party is a good fit for her political views.

Sen. Emily Buss

The sole member of the Utah State Legislature representing the Forward Party, which she refers to as 'FWD-Eagle Mountain'.

Annette McRae

A Forward Party candidate running for a state Senate seat in eastern Utah, who believes there are many independent voters open to the party's message.

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What they’re saying

“Forward Party is thrilled about what Utah is demonstrating is possible. This is going to be someplace we invest in very heavily in part to show other states what is possible.”

— Andrew Yang, Businessman, former presidential candidate, and co-founder of the Forward Party

“I just left the Republican Party. I'm exploring other options that I think are more middle road, more common sense.”

— Mary Ann Kirk

“I think there's a lot of space for something like this and it's time. There's a lot of vitriol in politics and I think it's necessary to show these voices matter and it's here.”

— Anna Nizhoni

“A third party can be effective in such a strong Republican chokehold.”

— Sen. Emily Buss, Utah State Senator representing the Forward Party

“Voters have been very open. There's a lot of independents.”

— Annette McRae, Forward Party candidate for state Senate

What’s next

The Forward Party of Utah plans to start a county-level party organization soon in Republican-heavy Washington County, as part of its efforts to build a stronger presence across the state ahead of the upcoming elections.

The takeaway

The Forward Party's push to gain a foothold in Utah's political landscape reflects a broader desire among some voters for an alternative to the traditional two-party system. The party's willingness to back other candidates in certain races where they believe it can avoid being a 'spoiler' also demonstrates a pragmatic approach to building a viable third party option.