We are down to the final stretch - less than 8 weeks until Election Day! We have been so fortunate to have the privilege of profiling some amazing candidates this election season, and we will continue doing so right down the home stretch!

This week we are profiling our second party leader this season, Luz Escamilla (she/her), the current minority leader of the Democratic Party in the Utah State Senate. Luz was born in Mexico to two college professors, and immigrated when she was 18 years old. Only one of six Democrats in the Utah State Senate, Luz leads her small caucus in promoting issues such as healthcare access and cost, food security, air quality, transportation access, high quality childcare, and home visiting services.

Where are you based?
Rosepark- Salt Lake City, UT.

What is your position/what position are you running for?
Senate District 10, Senate Minority Leader.

How would you briefly summarize your platform?
Represent the voices of working families, and address the many social determinants of health that impact their lives.

What inspired you to run?
The lack of access , perspectives or ideas of the underserved. I saw decisions being made without taking into account the voices of our most vulnerable communities and I wanted to be at the table.

What change are you hoping to bring to your district and country?
Institutionalization of justice and respect for all.
Practice of equity and addressing the issues of equity, not just for some but for all

How long have you been in office? What do you consider to be your major accomplishments so far?
15 ½ years. Increased visibility for and awareness of underserved and underrepresented communities, addressing social determinants of health at the legislature, and focus on children’s issues.

A few bills that were particularly impactful:

State CHIP program https://le.utah.gov/~2023/bills/static/SB0217.html
Vision screening for kids https://le.utah.gov/~2019/bills/static/SB0143.html
Adoption bills https://le.utah.gov/~2017/bills/static/SB0089.html
Father’s registry compact bill https://le.utah.gov/~2015/bills/static/SB0010.html
Immigrations consultants https://le.utah.gov/~2015/bills/static/SB0203.html
community health workers https://le.utah.gov/~2022/bills/static/SB0104.html
Emissions and air quality legislation
Health care bills

What do you feel are the most important issues right now, why, and how do you plan to tackle them?
Childcare — I will be reintroducing this bill: https://le.utah.gov/~2024/bills/static/SB0176.html

Air quality/ emissions reductions — I will be reintroducing this bill: https://le.utah.gov/~2024/bills/static/SB0263.html)

Mental behavioral health — I have been appointed to the commission where I will have a hands-on role in addressing these pressing issues:
Housing / homelessness
Development of the westside
Workforce development

America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?
Through creating more spaces for conversations and sharing stories — that is when you see the human side of everyone, and you see that we have more in common than differences. I consider myself to be a storyteller and through sharing my stories I have been able to create change.

A lot of divisiveness happens because of frustration and stress. More policies that allow for people to improve quality of life and close cycles of poverty will reduce this stress.

How do you see your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
It’s important to represent people and as our demographics change especially for children and workforce leaders — they need to see people like them in positions of leadership. Personally, my unique experience has allowed me to provide a different perspective and shine some light with different ideas and lights to my colleagues.

What is your motto in life?
“El que rie ultimo, rie mejor” (“who laughs last, laughs longest.) It’s a saying in Mexico that has to do with perseverance and keeping going until the end. As a member of the minority party, this can be really frustrating, but perseverance is everything.

Where can we find out more about you?
Instagram: senatorluzescamilla
Facebook: Luzforutah
senate.utah.gov/sen/ESCAML

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Luz Escamilla, Utah State Senate District 10