As we ring in 2023 this weekend, my thoughts have turned toward this last year and all we’ve learned politically. There are five critical take-aways that I’d like to share with you.

First, 2022 proved that UUP candidates are viable in Utah. Not one but two of our candidates achieved 43% of the vote, and several more were well into the 30-40% range. These two candidates did even better in their races than Evan McMullin did in his, and without his money, political machine, or name recognition. This is the first time we’ve achieved 40% and this measurable momentum is exciting to see.

Second, in the wake of Roe vs. Wade being overturned, several polls (including our own) made clear that the vast majority of Utahns want to see nuanced, centrist policy, something our current, extremist-dominated state legislature won’t provide. While most of the polls were focused specifically on abortion, moderate policy prevailed in issues as diverse as gun control, environmental stewardship, and housing affordability. The political answers voters in Utah want are in the middle, not on the fringes.

Third, we are at a critical juncture and moment. Even though this will be an off-year for partisan elections, the foundation we lay now will pay dividends in the next election cycle and for years to come. Especially after the difficulties created by the pandemic, NOW is the time to build up our grassroots network of volunteers, to build up a financial reserve for future elections, and to get the word out about our successes. Our perseverance is paying off, and we need to continue onward with our full strength.

Fourth, this year’s January 6th Commission laid out just how toxic hyper-partisan politics have become. Utah has been and is a leader in many ways, including in the emerging “middle way” of politics. But the United Utah Party is more than just politically centrist; we’re moderates who seek understanding and good will, not just a win. We believe that good faith and good will are the antidote to the hate demonstrated on January 6th. What we create here can have ramifications far beyond the borders of our state.