Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Katrina Fallick-Wang, Utah's 4th Congressional District

Today we continue our profiles of 2024 progressive candidates! These candidates are working hard to bring change to their communities, states, and country to ensure all citizens are represented in government.

This week we are profiling Katrina Fallick-Wang (she/her). No, you did not read that name wrong. According to her website, “My maiden name is pronounced phallic. Yes. Just like that. I married someone with the last name of Wang. We hyphenated our names to make it more funny.” Growing up on a commune, Katrina had her first child at age 15, and today works counseling teen mothers. Katrina is openly queer and polyamorous. In her personal life she is an avid hiker and kayaker, and she fosters kittens. She participates in art and alternative communities, and she mentors young women who are interested and involved in STEM disciplines. She is passionate about neurodiversity and disability activism. Although running as a Democrat, Katrina believes that a multi-party system would better serve the American people than a two-party system.

Where are you based?
I live in Salt Lake City, Utah.

What is your position/what position are you running for?
I’m running for US House, Utah’s 4th Congressional District.

How would you briefly summarize your platform?
Representation. The primary responsibility of a congressional representative is to represent the interests of their constituents. I believe that, as Utahns and Americans, we all want the same things. We want our children to grow up healthy, we want a well-educated society, and we want our parents to be able to afford the healthcare they need. We have different ideas of how to make that happen and that’s great because big problems take a lot of different voices. We need to unite around our similarities to end partisanship in politics.

What change are you hoping to bring to your district and country?
I’d like to bring real representation to Washington, DC. I’d like Utah to be seen as the thoughtful, ethical, and empathetic people they are. I’d like to end partisanship and get the government working. We need to ensure that ALL people's rights are protected. I’d like to show that a queer polyamorous woman can get elected in one of the reddest states in the country.

What do you consider to be your major accomplishments so far?
My accomplishments may seem minor, but I am proud of the citizens I have gotten engaged in local politics. I am very proud of the work that I have done mentoring teen moms and helping young women find their place in STEM. There are a handful of conversations I’ve had which have lead people to understanding and empathy for marginalized groups which they previously were acting against. If I can help make even one person less sexist, racist or transphobic, that is the biggest accomplishment that I can have.

What do you feel are the most important issues right now, why, and how do you plan to tackle them?
The first issue is that we must ensure that all citizens' civil rights are maintained. We need to ensure that women can get the reproductive health care that they need and that our Transgender brothers, sisters, and children are protected. It is urgent that we put in place the required critical legislation to protect and preserve our natural resources.

America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?If we focus on our similarities, that is where our strength lies.

How do you see your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
I grew up in a commune in rural Washington state. Living in a communal setting, where all decisions were made unanimously, really teaches you how to work with people with whom you may not share common values. You cannot take an adversarial approach and must act and speak from a place of understanding and curiosity.

What is your motto in life?
I don’t know that I have a motto, but I’m pathologicaly contrary. I can’t stand being told I can’t do something, and I will immediately set out to prove you wrong.

Where can we find out more about you?
You can read my whole bio at katrinaforcongress.us