The Utah Forward Party achieved ballot access in 2023 - this means we have our own slate of Forward Party Candidates running in the general election. Look for the "UFP" next to their names while casting your vote!
That's not all. 'Forward' represents our belief that party loyalty, when placed above the country’s needs, harms good governance. We support quality candidates from across the political spectrum who share our values, denounce extremism, and take a data-driven approach to addressing issues. We refuse to stay locked into a never-ending cycle of partisan politics. Our aim is to work with candidates who prioritize what’s best for the community and the nation. Utah Forward is therefore also proud to endorse a slate of Affiliate Candidates.
Read on for a list of our candidates and endorsed affiliates.
Utah Forward Party Candidates
Miles Pomeroy moved to Utah to begin a career in software engineering 14 years ago. He is married with three children. After becoming disaffected with the Republican Party, he ran for State House as a Forward-affiliated Democrat in 2022. With ballot access now achieved by the Utah Forward Party, Miles hopes to represent the party and Forward principles in the statewide race for Treasurer.
Laura Johnson is a former middle school teacher, a business owner, and a Utah resident for 18 years. As a believer in “Positive Politics”, Laura is excited about the future of the Forward Party and loves the idea of uniting Americans on both sides of the political aisle while empowering them to solve problems instead of fighting over them. Laura also loves snowboarding and hiking Utah mountains with her husband, Derek, as well as supporting local restaurants and businesses with her two daughters.
Josh Smith, a Utah native and Software Engineering Manager at Rakuten Advertising, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for technology. After serving an LDS mission in Mongolia, he graduated from Weber State University in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics. He resides in the West Davis area with his wife and four children. Beyond his professional pursuits, he is dedicated to promoting positive change that safeguards democracy, aiming to contribute his skills and perspective to initiatives aligned with this vision. Josh welcomes opportunities to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations.
Nolan Kruse earned a bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of Utah and now owns his own small business in the Salt Lake Valley focusing on facilities services. He is committed to improving election options for Americans and believes in the Forward Party as a unifying force for our nation. With a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by small businesses, Nolan stands as a dedicated advocate for their prosperity.
Endorsed Affiliates
During his time in Congress, John Curtis has delivered for Utahns. With a focus on energy independence, fighting reckless spending in both parties, standing up to communist China’s aggression, protecting farmers and ranchers from over-regulation and defending Utah’s land from the constant pressure of DC – he’s been busy. John now wants to take his unique experience and proven track record of getting things done for Utahns to the U.S. Senate. He believes that Utah families deserve to be heard and will continue to work hard every day to make Utah an even better place.
Michelle Quist is an experienced litigator and appellate lawyer involved in law for over 25 years. With a storied career in public service, Quist has achieved numerous wins for the American public. Quist is an active member of numerous legal and community organizations in Utah including Women Lawyers of Utah, Refugee Justice League, and the Utah Supreme Court Advisory Committee on the Rules of Appellate Procedure. As a single mom of 7 children, Michelle is running to remove the politics out of the AG's office in Utah, an office that has been mired by a string of corruption scandals over the last several cycles.
Stacy Bernal is a passionate and empathetic leader with a proven track record in the Ogden community and beyond. In 2018, she founded Awesome Autistic Ogden, an annual event celebrating neurodiversity and disability in northern Utah. In 2022, she partnered with the Ogden Police Department to implement an opt-in autism registry database to help ensure the safety of both neurodiverse individuals and law enforcement officers. Stacy takes pride in building connections between sometimes opposing forces and looks forward to bringing this asset to the Utah State Legislature. She currently serves as an elected member of the Ogden School Board and enjoys meaningful work as the founder of See Stacy Speak LLC, where she provides empowering presentations worldwide.
Tori Broughton is a first-time candidate for the Wasatch County Council, bringing a wealth of experience from her years managing successful small businesses in rapidly expanding communities throughout the West. She understands the challenges and opportunities that come with growth and is dedicated to helping communities thrive while preserving their unique identities. As a Planning Commissioner, Tori has focused on thoughtful, sustainable development that aligns with long-term community goals. Now a proud resident of Heber, she is committed to protecting the town’s distinctive character, supporting local businesses, and fostering a vibrant, inclusive community.
Michael Lambert lives in Layton and has a professional background as a licensed clinical social worker, having worked with young people and families throughout his career. He cares about issues impacting children, our aging adult population, affordable housing security, mental health, and conservation, including the Great Salt Lake and our air quality. Michael believes in the importance of bipartisanship, particularly in the increasingly divisive, partisan political landscape. Michael’s unaffiliated campaign will give all voters a choice in the General Election, as opposed to the race being decided before any open or closed-party elections.
Rosemary Lesser was a member of the first class of women admitted to Notre Dame. After graduation she was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. She later earned her medical degree and went on to specialize in OB/GYN, serving military members in Germany and Texas before moving to Ogden in 1992. Rosemary assumed office in 2021 after Lou Shurtliff tragically passed away. She brings a veteran’s well-honed skills of quality leadership and management, adaptability, and the attitude that lasting success is shared success. As the only Democratic veteran and one of the few physicians in the Legislature, she brings a unique perspective and valuable experiences to the table in advocating for the people of District 10.
Monnica Manuel is a businesswoman from the westside, a mother of three, and a community leader. Her experience raising a family in Utah means she knows firsthand how government actions impact our lives. Active in the community since the 90s, Monnica works with the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, Chamber West, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake, Trauma-Informed Utah, and more. Running as an Independent, Monnica focuses on solutions, not politics. Her business and healthcare industry experience will guide her in addressing key issues like housing affordability, public safety, education, and healthcare. She's a practical doer, committed to results over party debates.
Lori Spruance is a professor at Brigham Young University, where she teaches community health with an emphasis on fostering healthy communities and families. She has dedicated her career to cultivating healthy families and vibrant communities and will do the same when elected to the Statehouse. With an unwavering focus on ensuring every child can thrive, she has spearheaded initiatives that transcend partisan divides, championing progressive yet pragmatic approaches to dismantle systemic barriers. Deeply rooted in her faith, Lori's leadership roles within her congregation demonstrate an ability to build bridges across divides.
Steve Van Wagoner knows we need more hands-on engagement and proactive leadership. From farmboy to the Marines, and now small business owner, coach, and community member, Steve is committed to getting things done and making a real difference in the lives of Weber County residents. From revitalizing local businesses to strengthening community ties, Steve's campaign is about making a difference where it matters most. With Steve Van Wagoner, it's not about talk—it's about action, improvement, and rolling up our sleeves to get the job done, Weber.
Alan Wessman has lived in Utah County for nearly 30 years and has seen the tremendous growth and change that the county has experienced over that time. He brings a moderate, problem-solving, friendly approach to politics. He’s not here to make enemies or to fight silly battles. He wants to help Utah county residents face the real-world challenges and opportunities with a rational, facts-based mindset. He strongly believes in ethical government, and commits not to have any financial or personal conflicts of interest for a county commissioner.
Patrick Belmont is a water scientist, energy expert, university educator, and dad running to represent Utah House District 3, including Logan, River Heights, and Richmond. Throughout his 20+ year professional career he has been known for asking the right questions to get to the heart of matters, listening and doing the hard work needed to understand all sides of complex issues, and bringing people together around common values. Patrick has been leading efforts to solve many of the biggest challenges of our time and will bring his deep-thinking skills, compassion, and practical problem-solving attitude to work for Utah.
Standing up to political extremism and partisan fighting. A moderate leader who prioritizes results over party loyalty.It’s time for moderate, balanced representation in Senate 8. Alisa is committed to cross-party collaboration and practical solutions for everyday families.
Alex Day is a lifelong resident of Utah and couldn't think of a better place to call home. He has always had a deep interest in government and politics as well as an appreciation for the dedication it takes to find bipartisan solutions to complicated issues. The last several years have been increasingly disheartening as more and more politicians embrace divisive rhetoric and political theater instead of putting in the hard work to solve problems for the people they represent.
Steve Eliason has lived in Sandy, Cottonwood Heights and Midvale for all of his adult life. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree at the University of Utah, where he has also taught. While serving in public office was never in his long term plans, he has shown a lifetime commitment to our community, so when the opportunity to run for the House of Representatives arose, Steve decided to run. He has been consistently ranked as one of the top five most effective lawmakers in Utah, and his bipartisan reputation continues to make him the best choice to represent his district.
Ray was first elected to the Utah House of Representatives in 2014, and loves serving in his capacity there. He believes that while many things are going well for Utah, our state faces many difficult issues and decisions. He believes that the government cannot solve every problem, but the decisions that our state government makes do affect our schools, our environment, and what our communities are like. In his time as House Representative, he has tried to listen to his constituents and to represent his community’s values.