FAQ: Merger of the United Utah Party and Utah Forward Party
Why are the United Utah Party (UUP) and the Utah Forward Party (UFP) merging?
Both parties share common values such as strengthening democracy, promoting ethical and effective government, and giving a voice to the moderate majority who are tired of partisan division. By merging, we can work together more effectively and reach more Utahns.
What is happening at the April 26, 2025 conventions?
Both the UUP and UFP will hold conventions where members will vote on whether to approve the merger. UUP business will be held from 9-10am. In addition to voting on the merger, members will vote on party leadership and platform changes. The UFP conduct business from 10-11am. If both parties approve the merger, UUP members are invited to vote on 2025 Priorities with UFP. Afterward, there will be keynote speeches, a candidate panel, breakout sessions, and free lunch.
Who can vote on the merger?
Only people who officially joined either the UUP or UFP before March 31, 2025 and are listed on the Utah voter rolls as party members can vote.
What does a “yes” vote mean?
By voting yes, you are agreeing to:
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Merge the two parties into one new party.
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Create a 6-person Executive Committee for the combined new party. The initial Executive Committee (serving 2 year terms) will consist of 3 members from each party's former Executive Committees.
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Give the new Executive Committee the one-time authority to change the party name and/or take other legal or regulatory actions needed to complete the merger.
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Allow the new Executive Committee to adopt temporary Constitution, Bylaws and procedures for the new party (to be ratified by members at the next convention).
What will the new party be called?
The final name will likely be “Utah Forward Party” or “United Forward Party”—the exact name will be decided with input from the National Forward Party.
What happens to the United Utah Party’s name and brand?
The new party will keep the rights to use the UUP’s name, logo, and website. If the relationship with the national Forward Party ever ends, the party can return to using the UUP name.
What role does the National Forward Party play in this?
They’re helping us through the process and will continue supporting the new merged party. As with all State level affiliates, the new combined party will still run its own operations with flexibility in its operations and positions provided they are generally consistent with national Forward Party values.
What will the leadership look like after the merger?
The Executive Committee will have six members. The initial Executive Committee (serving 2 year terms) will consist of three members from each party (pulled from their former Executive Committees). Other current leaders from both parties will also take on roles in the new party, like running county organizations or serving as advisors.
What happens to the UUP platform?
The UUP’s platform will still be used as part of the new party’s core message. It might be presented differently— as a values statement or policy guide—but it will remain an important document.
When will the merger be completed?
If approved at both conventions, the legalities of the merger could happen quickly but in any event should be finalized by September 15, 2025. That gives us time to combine resources like bank accounts, websites, social media, and other systems.
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