Derek Kitchen – A Bold Progressive Fighter for Utah’s new 1st District.
Utah finally has a Democratic district, and it deserves a real progressive champion who has what it takes to fight back against Donald Trump and the MAGA Republican agenda. Derek Kitchen has spent his life fighting for justice, equality, and a future where every Utahn has the chance to thrive.
Donate to Build a Progressive Utah
Utah finally has a district where we can elect a representative who reflects our values. Derek has spent his life fighting for these principles – from the courtroom to the State Senate.
Now, Derek is running for Congress because we deserve a progressive leader fighting for us in Washington. Our campaign will be fueled by people like you, not special interests. Can you chip in to help build our grassroots campaign today?
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About Derek
Utah is my home. It’s shaped my values, grounded my work, and taught me what community really means.
In 2013, I sued the governor in federal court, in the landmark case Kitchen v. Herbert, that made Utah the first state in America where a federal court required recognition of same-sex marriage. That win helped set the stage for marriage equality across the country. It showed the nation what I already knew: Utah can lead.
I carried that same belief into public office. On the Salt Lake City Council and in the Utah State Senate, I fought for affordable housing, sustainable growth, equality and dignity for every Utahn, and economic development that actually benefits working families - standing proudly with organized labor along the way.
As one of the few openly LGBTQ+ legislators in America – and as a progressive in the deep-red Utah legislature – I learned how to build coalitions, work across the aisle, and stand firm when it really matters.
Most recently, I served in the Biden Administration as Senior Vice President at the Export-Import bank, where I worked at the intersection of economic diplomacy, trade policy, and national security.
Some of the most important lessons I’ve learned don’t come from government or politics. They come from owning a small business in Salt Lake.
It all starts at the kitchen table. From building community to nourishing the people of Salt Lake, I’ve owned a beloved restaurant for over a decade. Running a small business teaches you humility, grit, and the power of service. It teaches you to take care of your people – and that’s more than just paying a living wage, it’s about bringing people together. Community is something you build.
Now, Utah has a newly drawn district – a strong, solidly Democratic district – and for the first time in a generation, we have the chance to elect a progressive leader who reflects the values of the people who live here and who has what it takes to fight back against Donald Trump and the MAGA Republican agenda.
I’ve always fought for the issues that matter, even when it’s tough. I’m ready to carry that fight all the way to Congress.
Join me in this fight and let’s build a better Utah, together.
Utah’s 1st Congressional District
We have a brand new district in Utah. We have a chance to elect a proven progressive who shares our values. In Congress, Derek will fight for the Utah that we believe in, and he will never compromise on our values.
We deserve a Utah where everyone can afford to live and thrive. Derek will champion affordable housing, living wages, and smart growth that plans for the future.
We deserve a Utah that leads on equality and human rights. Derek will fight for full dignity for LGBTQ+ Utahns, women, immigrants, and communities historically excluded from power. He’s pro-choice and will always stand up for abortion rights.
We deserve a Utah that protects its outdoors, and our future. Utah faces many unique challenges with climate change – a drying Great Salt Lake, dangerous air, and threats to our tourism economy. Derek will always stand up to protect the environment.
We deserve a Utah with leadership that holds government accountable. Derek will champion transparency, anti-corruption policies, and a representative who works for the people, not special interests.
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