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With Election Day quickly approaching, what are the national and local stakes of the election? In this episode, host Jason Perry leads a discussion breaking down what Utah voters can expect and the key issues shaping voter turnout across the state. Plus, we explore control of Congress, Utah's unique political dynamics, and a proposed constitutional amendment that's drawing widespread attention.
THE DEEPER DIVE:
• ⚖️ Which party wins control of Congress could reshape the final years of the Trump Presidency. Control of the U.S. House and Senate remains one of the most significant questions heading into the midterm elections. Democrats are poised to win a majority in the House of Representatives but face a less sure path in the Senate. Our panel discusses how this would impact Pres. Trump's ability to advance his agenda during the remainder of his term.
• While Utah remains a reliably "red" state, voters here often approach national politics differently than other conservative states. We explore how Utah Republicans continue charting their own political course, despite pressure from the outside.
• Early voter turnout suggests some independent voters are wild cards in this election cycle. While turnout patterns still heavily favor Republicans in Utah, many voters appear increasingly willing to evaluate candidates individually rather than simply voting along party lines. Our panel examines whether this trend will continue shaping the state's political landscape in the future.
• This is the first election cycle under Utah's new congressional map. While the 1st Congressional District is expected to flip for Democrats this year, the other three districts remain strongly Republican. We evaluate how these dynamics will be affected by significant political swings in either direction.
• ️Utah's proposed Amendment B has become one of the most contested issues on the ballot. Our panel discusses the debate surrounding the proposal requiring ballot initiatives that raise taxes to pass with 60% approval. Supporters argue the measure would make it harder for outside groups to influence Utah politics, while opponents believe it weakens the ability of Utah voters to reform their own government.
• ️ After election day, the incoming Utah Legislature will vote in its own leadership election. All eyes are on the state senate where current Pres. Stuart Adams lost his primary election earlier this year. Who will be elected to replace him as leader of the Utah Senate? We explore the political dynamics involoved, and why newly elected senators may have an outsized influence in the results.
️ FEATURING:
• Dennis Romboy – Editor & Reporter, Deseret News
• Kate Bradshaw – Mayor, Bountiful City
• Chris Bleak – Partner, RRJ Consulting
Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley
