CANDIDATE APPLICATION FORM
PLEASE NOTE: ONLY CANDIDATES FOR MUNICIPAL OR UTAH STATE LEGISLATURE RACES ARE CONSIDERED FOR UWP-PAC SUPPORT AT THIS TIME.
The Utah Women & Politics PAC (UWP-PAC) was formed by a small group of Salt Lake City women who participated together in the Women’s March on Washington in January 2017.
Upon returning to Utah, we determined to help change the face of the Utah State Legislature to make sure that our more moderate beliefs are represented. We knew we must expand into a larger group in order to pool enough money to make an impact.
In 2022, with a Republican supermajority in the Utah Legislature and political gerrymandered districts, we expanded our efforts to support candidates running for municipal office because of the ability to move the needle at the local level and build the bench of candidates for higher office
OUR MISSION
The primary purpose of the UWP-PAC is to raise money to provide financial support to viable candidates of either party who are running for municipal office or the Utah State Legislature. We focus on districts that could swing to a more moderate candidate. We look for candidates who demonstrate electability, diverse perspectives and moderate political views in line with their districts. While the PAC has no gender requirements for candidates, it seeks to achieve a moderate governing majority.
We are unique because the UWP-PAC is composed mostly of women and all funds come solely from individual donations. Other local and national groups focus on research, advocacy, policy development, voter registration and candidate in-kind support; we work with them. Our principal purpose is to provide the funds to selected candidates to run successful campaigns and get elected to office.
PROCESS
To determine which candidates to support, the PAC examines each district’s data and decides which have the most potential for change. We require candidates to submit an application and interview in-person with members of our vetting committee. The vetting committee ranks and recommends candidates for financial support based on criteria developed by the PAC. PAC members vote on whom to approve. The selected candidates meet with members to explain their positions.
The Leadership Committee recommends a level of financial support for each candidate. We split each candidate’s funding into smaller distributions over several months so that we can assess the candidates’ progress in their race. All funded candidates are required to report on how the funds received were used and what the next draw will finance in their campaigns.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
While our primary purpose is fundraising, members have other opportunities to engage with and support candidates. Candidate liaisons for each candidate maintain a relationship with their candidate’s campaign. They communicate opportunities for members to help through volunteer efforts - making phone calls, writing letters, developing campaign materials, hosting/securing fundraising events, canvassing, etc. Members are invited to participate only as time and interest permit.
Candidate Application Form
If you are a candidate for municipal office in Utah or the Utah State Legislature that meets the criteria above, please apply using the form below and we will review your application and get in touch with you as soon as possible. Thank you!