Special Session with Bryan Schott

Utah Senate President Stuart Adams is under fire for some questionable donations to his political action committee, and he's not answering a single question about it.This week Utah Political Watch reported five individuals and companies with deep financial ties to MIDA (the Military Installation Development Authority)—the powerful unelected state agency that Adams has chaired since 2008—collectively wrote $135,000 in checks to his leadership PAC on a single day, just one week after MIDA voted to approve the massive "Wonder Valley" / Project Stratos data center in Box Elder County.Those checks were the five largest donations in the history of Adams' PAC. And Adams has already transferred the largest sum ever from that PAC to his own campaign account, as he faces his toughest reelection primary yet.

Rep. Trevor Lee had a very, very bad week. He lost the Davis County GOP convention vote to Bob Stevenson. That came a few days after a website dropped with serious fraud allegations from two former employers. One features a signed confession of check fraud. The other involves explosive claims that Lee tried to use his legislative office to help steer a federal contract at Hill Air Force Base in exchange for retiring a $93,000 personal debt he owed to his employer.The CD1 Democratic primary is getting more complicated by the day. What started as a two-person race is now a likely four- or five-way contest heading into convention weekend. Why Ben McAdams is the clear frontrunner—cash, name ID, and a district that's not as progressive as some assume—and why old online posts from Nate Blouin attacking the LDS church could be a serious liability in November, regardless of what happens in the primary.Plus: Celeste Maloy qualifies for the CD3 primary via signatures while Phil Lyman races the clock; the legislature's investigation of Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen and what it's really about; Ken Ivory's close call in HD39; a preview of the state Republican and Democratic conventions; and Bryan's evening at the Bruce Springsteen show in Phoenix.

In this episode: a last-minute U.S.-Iran ceasefirethe beginning of convention seasonUtah's looming voter privacy rollbackSen. Mike Lee's rumored AG buzzand the subscriber-exclusive debut of the Utah Political Watch Race Ratings system.📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at UtahPolitics.news.Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow-motion train wreck. Hit us up: [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreadsX/Twitter

Another busy week in Utah politics: Breaking down a new poll in CD1Candidates are facing signature-gathering deadlinesProp. 4 failed to qualify for the ballot—what happens next?The map that could end Celeste Maloy's careerSCOTUS rules against Colorado's ban on conversion therapy, but experts say it shouldn't impact Utah's ban.📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at UtahPolitics.news.Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow-motion train wreck. Hit us up: [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreadsX/Twitter

In this replay of a livestream recorded on March 24, 2026, we cover a lot of political news: Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall's creative legal gambit to potentially block a proposed ICE detention facility using water conservation rules; the razor-thin status of the Prop 4 repeal signature campaign with one Senate district teetering on the edge; the congressional races in Utah's new House districts; the unintended consequences of the Utah Republican Party's new one-year registration rule; Sen. Mike Lee's SAVE Act and the Lieutenant Governor's pushback; and more listener Q&A.Topics & Timestamps[00:00] — Introduction[00:05:58] — SLC’s Water Ordinance Gambit to Block ICE Facility[00:14:50] — Prop 4 Repeal Update: Life Support in SD-15[00:22:01] — Congressional Races: CD2 (Moore vs. Lisonbee) & CD3 (Lyman vs. Maloy)[00:35:24] — The GOP’s One-Year Registration Rule: Unintended Consequences[00:45:55] — Lt. Governor Henderson Pushes Back on Mike Lee’s SAVE Act[01:05:30] — Closing & The Press Credential Lawsuit Update📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at UtahPolitics.news.Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow-motion train wreck. Hit us up: [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreadsX/Twitter

This episode is from the March 2, 2026 livestream:The Utah legislature is in its final week, with significant discussions on the state budget and tax cuts.Proposition 4 has qualified for the ballot, but signature removal efforts are ongoing and contentious.Legislative shenanigans are evident in the handling of various bills, including those related to transgender youth and immigration.Tax cuts are being prioritized despite budget constraints, benefiting primarily high-income earners.The upcoming election season is shaping up to be competitive, with potential shifts in party representation.📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at UtahPolitics.news.Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow-motion train wreck. Hit us up: [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreadsX/Twitter

In this recording of our livestream from Jan. 26, 2026, we break down the numbers on Utah's Prop 4 repeal effort—and they're not looking good for signature gatherers. With just 20 days left and barely 40% of their statewide goal met, even Trump's endorsement might not be enough to save the anti-gerrymandering law repeal campaign. Plus: Why is the Supreme Court expansion bill going to the Business and Labor Committee instead of Judiciary? We explain the legislative chess moves and timing issues around SB 134. Also covered: Senator John Curtis calls for an independent ICE investigation, new bills targeting Pride flags and voter registration, and the legislature's plan to cut taxes while slashing higher ed funding by $94 million.📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at UtahPolitics.news.Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow-motion train wreck. Hit us up: [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreadsX/Twitter

On this episode of Special Session:The most competitive legislative races in the 2026 midterms.Senate President Stuart Adams is in the political fight of his life.Redistricting court battle update.Will Utah's members of Congress push back on Trump's military action in Venezuela?📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at UtahPolitics.news.Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up: [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreadsX/Twitter

Politico's Jonathan Martin joins the show to discuss his provocative argument that Utah Governor Spencer Cox should mount a 2028 presidential campaign focused on tech regulation and AI. But this isn't about winning the White House—it's about forcing a critical issue into the national conversation.📰 Support journalist-owned, journalist-operated independent media at UtahPolitics.news.Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up: [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreadsX/Twitter

Former Utah State Senator Derek Kitchen joins the podcast to discuss his campaign for Utah's Congressional District 1 and why he believes Salt Lake City deserves stronger representation in Washington.

Special Session Recap: Legislature moves congressional filing deadline to buy time for redistricting appeal; changes court rules so election lawsuits go directly to Utah Supreme Court.Union Busting Bill Repeal: Strategic retreat—lawmakers feared giving voters an incentive to show up at the polls in 2026 when they have two ballot measures they want passed.The Phil Lyman Provision: New rule allowing weekly signature packet submissions—designed to undercut conspiracy theories about Governor Cox's 2024 primary win.Taxpayer-Funded Retreat: House Republicans spent $26,584 at Zermatt Resort; $10,000+ on catering alone for 51 lawmakers and staff.U of U Athletics Deal: Private equity move to stay competitive in evolving college sports landscape.Subscribe & Support: 🎧 Find the podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen 📰 Subscribe at UtahPolitics.news — 20% off your first year right now.Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreadsX/Twitter

Former Democratic Congressman Ben McAdams joins Special Session to discuss his return to politics with a run for Congress in Utah's newly drawn 1st Congressional District. The former congressman opens up about what motivated him to get back in the arena, how he plans to build a winning coalition in a district that's Democratic-leaning but not majority-Democratic, and his response to critics still upset about his role in the 2022 McMullin-Lee Senate race.

State Sen. Nate Blouin (D-Salt Lake City) joins the show to discuss his bid for Congress in Utah's new 1st Congressional District created by Judge Diana Gibson's ruling last month. WHY HE'S RUNNING Blouin positions himself as a fighter with a track record of pushing back against the supermajority. He says the new D+14 district aligns with his progressive values and sees an opportunity to be part of a potential Democratic House majority in 2026. "People want fighters right now. People are frustrated with what they're seeing out of DC."WHAT A DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY COULD DO Even with a Republican Senate and Trump in the White House, Blouin says Democrats could hold the line through oversight — including personally investigating the ICE facility in West Valley City. He points to Trump's approval rating (around 35%) and says the priority would be slowing authoritarian overreach while pushing popular policies like Medicare for All and a higher minimum wage.THE YOUTH MOVEMENT Blouin sees energy in Utah's young Democratic bench and invokes Zohran Mamdani's campaign style as a model — high-energy, ground-focused, authentic. He won his state Senate primary by 50 points in 2022 through door-knocking and plans to bring that same approach to a compact congressional district.PATHWAY TO THE NOMINATION "We're gonna win convention and we're gonna gather signatures. That's the plan."Blouin's website: nateforutah.comTip Jar: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. Throw some cash in the tip jar and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.Subscribe: Get our free newsletter at UtahPolitics.news and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreadsX/Twitter

In this episode, Bryan Schott breaks down the latest developments in Utah's congressional redistricting battle, the GOP's million-dollar signature gathering effort, and what's shaping up to be a crowded Democratic primary in the new CD1. Plus, an update on the federal lawsuit over press credentials at the Utah State Legislature.Tip Jar: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. Throw some cash in the tip jar and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.Subscribe: Get our free newsletter at UtahPolitics.news and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreadsX/Twitter

Utah's political landscape was transformed overnight when Judge Dianna Gibson implemented a new congressional map that could dramatically change the state's representation in Washington. Host Bryan Schott breaks down the ruling, analyzes the political fallout, and explores what comes next.Tip Jar: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. Throw some cash in the tip jar and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.Subscribe: Get our free newsletter at UtahPolitics.news and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreadsX/Twitter

On this episode, we unpack Ben McAdams' likely run for Congress, the GOP’s referendum retreat on redistricting, and why two new “competitive” districts might actually be R+2 and R+6 by design. Plus: a wild lawsuit to overturn SB54 and oust elected officials from office, a trio of eyebrow-raising Utah County GOP resolutions, and could Sen. Mike Lee be eyeing the top spot at the Heritage Foundation?Tip Jar: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. Throw some cash in the tip jar and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.Subscribe: Get our free newsletter at UtahPoliticalWatch.news and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up at [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreadsX/Twitter

In this replay of our subscriber-only livestream from 11/03/2025, we walk through the Lyman-aligned federal lawsuit to overturn Utah election results by attacking SB 54’s signature-gathering path, Mike Lee’s latest outrage cycle over a non-story, fraud and domestic-incident allegations surrounding former Iron County GOP chair Blake Cozzens, the latest from Utah's redistricting lawsuit and the 2026 chessboard with Democrat Ben McAdams edging toward another run for Congress.Subscribe for just $5 a month to listen and participate in our subscriber-exclusive livestream at Utah Political Watch.

This week in Utah politics: dark money, taxpayer funded PR campaign and a massive homeless campus.Mega “service campus” for the homeless near SLC airport: 16 acres, up to 1,300 beds, involuntary commitments, forced treatment. Civil liberties alarms vs. “we have to do something.” Cox does damage control via a friendly outlet, swatting Nazi comparisons.House PR machine on your dime: Speaker Schultz’s glossy videos produced by a paid outside firm (Northbound Strategy ~$6k/month, >$215k since ’23). Posted first to his personal accounts, then amplified by official channels. ROI? Shrug. Also: his video flirting with threats against the judge.Dark money creeps local: National Liberty Champions PAC drops into an Alpine school board race. The Mike Lee orbit—Thomas Datwyler (treasurer), Dan Hauser (L4 Consulting, lives in-district)—connects the dots. Same network fueled attacks in UT-2 primary via Constitutional Conservatives PAC.Ogden City Council shenanigans: Candidate takes ~$15k from “Taxpayers PAC,” blowing past $1,500 limits. Money trace: AZ Christian nationalist pastor/funder → PAC → candidate → consultant. The consultant? He set up the PAC routing the cash back to himself. Illegal overage likely returned.Conspiracy-to-policy pipeline: Gold-as-currency schemes pushed by fringe “experts,” and yes—another chemtrails bill incoming.Heads up: Election Day is Tuesday. If your ballot’s still on the counter, fix that.Tip Jar: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. Throw some cash in the tip jar and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.Subscribe: Get our free newsletter at UtahPoliticalWatch.news and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up at [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreadsX/Twitter

Run for Something's Amanda Litman explains why Democrats must invest in red states now—or face permanent minority status after 2030 redistricting.She argues that redistricting in 2030 is going to gut the already-narrow path to power for Democrats. California and New York will lose seats in Congress, while red states are gaining representation. Utah's fast-growing population means the state is in line to gain a fifth seat in the U.S. House of Representatives following the 2031 redistricting cycle.Her organization is launching a five-year plan to build Democratic infrastructure in Republican strongholds like Utah, where the party's net favorability sits at a dismal negative 38 percent.Litman says Democrats need to stop obsessing over swing states and start investing in places the party has written off for years.Run for Something: RunForSomething.netFind Amanda on social media: @AmandaLitman or @AmandalitmTip Jar: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. Throw some cash in the tip jar and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.Subscribe: Get our free newsletter at UtahPoliticalWatch.news and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.Sponsor the show: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up at [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreadsX/Twitter

Utah Republican Party announced a dual strategy to combat court-ordered redistricting and repeal Prop 4.Referendum on Option C Map (00:04:33)GOP launching statewide referendum to overturn legislature's newly passed congressional mapNeeds 134,000 signatures by November 15thMust hit signature targets in 15 of 29 Senate districtsInitiative to Repeal Prop 4 (00:09:05)Only needs 70,000 signatures to submit directly to legislatureWould repeal 2018 voter-approved independent redistricting commissionGives lawmakers political cover since it comes from "the people"Legislature likely to pass with veto-proof majorityTimeline Crunch (00:30:47)Court must pick new map by November 10thHearings scheduled October 23-24Additional hearing November 3rd on legislature's new redistricting law (SB 101)Multiple opportunities for delays through appealsTip Jar: This political hellscape doesn't document itself. Throw some cash in the tip jar and help me keep calling out the BS without having to sell my soul to corporate overlords.Subscribe: Get our free newsletter at UtahPoliticalWatch.news and find out what fresh hell the legislature cooked up while you were sleeping. Or become a paid subscriber – because somebody needs to fund this one-man war against political gaslighting.Buy your way in: Got deep pockets and a masochistic love of Utah politics? Sponsor this podcast and support our coverage of this slow motion train wreck. Hit us up at [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreadsX/Twitter

On this episode:The judge in Utah's gerrymandering case stares down the clock.Incumbent pile-up: All the proposed congressional maps put at least two GOP incumbents in the same district.Registration math shows where Democrats might actually have a shot.Tip Jar: Support independent journalism by making a one-time donation here.Subscribe: Sign up for our newsletter for free at UtahPoliticalWatch.news, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.Sponsor: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreadsX/Twitter

Breaking down the three proposed replacement congressional maps in Utah that have been submitted to the court.Plus, the legislative maneuvers Republicans used to fast-track a brand-new law that sets standards for evaluating those maps. Critics allege that those standards actually require the state to pass gerrymandered maps.Tip Jar: Support independent journalism by making a one-time donation here.Subscribe: Sign up for our newsletter for free at UtahPoliticalWatch.news, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.Sponsor: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreadsX/TwitterNote: this is a recording of a livestream broadcast from 10/06/2025.

Utah Republicans are pushing for the Utah Legislature to adopt map "Option C" when they meet to vote on new congressional boundaries on Monday. The map is the most pro-Republican of the five proposals put forward by lawmakers. Note: this is a recording of a livestream broadcast from 10/02/2025.Tip Jar: Support independent journalism by making a one-time donation here.Subscribe: Sign up for our newsletter for free at UtahPoliticalWatch.news, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.Sponsor: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreadsX/Twitter

The Utah Supreme Court denied the Utah Legislature's request for an emergency stay to keep the state's 2021 congressional maps, deemed illegal, in place. If you needed any more proof why lawmakers want to keep control of drawing Utah's political maps, our analysis proves that all three of the maps produced by the independent commission in 2021 would have produced at least one strong Democratic district.Republicans thought they had found a way to keep the current maps in place, but it turns out they forgot to do the reading.Tip Jar: Support independent journalism by making a one-time donation here.Subscribe: Sign up for our newsletter for free at UtahPoliticalWatch.news, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.Sponsor: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreadsX/Twitter

We sit down with Christopher Goldsmith, an expert on disinformation and extremist tactics and the founder of Veterans Fighting Fascism. Goldsmith, who publishes the "On Offense" Substack and co-hosts the "Find Out" podcast, discusses the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. He talks about the potential implications for democracy, the dangers posed by radicalized extremist movements, and disinformation. Goldsmith also shares advice on how individuals can combat fascism at the local level. 00:52 Understanding Extremist Movements 10:20 The Role of Disinformation 17:01 Local Actions Against Fascism

This week, we go over the latest in the court case over Utah's gerrymandered congressional maps and how the GOP-controlled legislature will try to open up a new path of attack so the new map is still likely to elect Republicans or even keep the old map in place for the 2026 election.It's no secret that Utah's congressional map is gerrymandered, but we finally have an idea what methodology they used to create it. It appears that Republicans targeted Utahns who voted for Democrat Joe Biden in 2020. We'll explain how they did it, and why splitting Biden voters was the key.Plus, a conversation with Chris Diaz from the Voting Rights Lab about President Donald Trump's attack on mail-in voting and the current panic about the (nonexistent) threat of non-citizens on voter rolls.Tip Jar: Support independent journalism by making a one-time donation here.Subscribe: Sign up for our newsletter for free at UtahPoliticalWatch.news, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.Sponsor: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreadsX/Twitter

A Utah judge threw out Utah's congressional maps on Monday, ruling that the Republican-controlled legislature violated the state constitution when it repealed Prop. 4. in 2020. Now, lawmakers have less than a month to draw new maps, or the court will do it for them.We discuss the ruling, what it means, how we got here, and what's next.Plus, a conversation with Dave Daley, a senior fellow at FairVote and the author of Ratf**ked: Why Your Vote Doesn't Count.Tip Jar: Support independent journalism by making a one-time donation here.Subscribe: Sign up for our newsletter for free at UtahPoliticalWatch.news, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.Sponsor: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreadsX/Twitter

Utah Senate President Stuart Adams is under scrutiny after a change to state law he championed benefited his step‑granddaughter as she faced serious felony charges.Host Bryan Schott goes through the timeline, explains what changed in the law, and tests Adams’ defense against the public record.We also examine the media’s role and patterns from past episodes where Adams’ actions raised ethical questions.In this episode: What the law change did—and who it helpedA timeline of how the change moved through the processAdams’ explanations versus the available factsHow local media covered the storyWhy these patterns matter for public trust in the legislature—and whether voters will careTip Jar: Support independent journalism by making a one-time donation here.Subscribe: Sign up for our newsletter for free at UtahPoliticalWatch.news, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.Sponsor: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreadsX/Twitter

The chatter surrounding Utah Sen. Mike Lee as a possible pick for the Supreme Court has started again. Don't dismiss it as just idle speculation. Lee probably came closer to landing a seat on the Supreme Court in 2018 than most realize.The Justice Department wants information about Utah's elections. This could have a very big impact on the 2026 elections and beyond.A liberal group is spending money in Utah to recruit candidates to challenge Republicans in 10 legislative seats. We'll explain why that money might be better spent on trying to register more Democratic voters.Tip Jar: Support independent journalism by making a one-time donation here.Subscribe: Sign up for my newsletter for free at UtahPoliticalWatch.news, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.Sponsor: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreadsX/Twitter

It was a bad week on social media for a couple of Utah's congressional Republicans. Rep. Burgess Owens reposted an anti-Muslim video on social media that came from an account that frequently posts White supremacist content.Sen. Mike Lee was fooled AGAIN by a fake letter on social media that was clearly generated by AI. Lee likes to criticize the media for inaccuracies, but he should really work on his media literacy skills before condemning others.Sen. Lee joined with Senate Republicans on Thursday to block a Democratic-led effort to pressure the Trump administration to release documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.Rep. Celeste Maloy backed a GOP-led push to put First Lady Melania Trump's name on the Kennedy Center opera house, using federal funds as leverage.Utah's population growth is on track to give the Beehive State another seat in Congress after the 2030 Census.Tip Jar: Support independent journalism by making a one-time donation here.Subscribe: Sign up for my newsletter for free at UtahPoliticalWatch.news, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.Sponsor: If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreadsX/Twitter

Federal prosecutors drop the charges against a Utah doctor accused of running a fake vaccine card scheme. How much did politics play in the dismissal? (Hint: a lot).Who is funding your congressional delegation? We break down the latest financial disclosures and come up with some interesting nuggets.Republicans are flailing trying to contain the fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein files controversy. Sen. Mike Lee suggests having Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell testify before Congress. Poll numbers highlight a very sharp divide between two factions of the Utah GOP.Support independent journalism by making a one-time donation here.Sign up for my newsletter for free at UtahPoliticalWatch.news, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreads

Sen. Mike Lee's social media is causing some heartburn for top leaders of the LDS Church, but don't expect that will make him tone things down.Lack of housing in the West is a serious problem, but policymakers will have to come up with a solution that does more than lean on ideology.Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz rallies support for a Utah doctor who federal prosecutors allege provided hundreds of fake vaccine cards during the COVID pandemic. It's just the latest example of top leaders allying themselves with extreme views.The Planned Parenthood Association of Utah joined a lawsuit challenging a provision in the massive tax cuts and spending bill passed by Congress that would effectively defund the organization. Shireen Ghorbani, interim president of Planned Parenthood of Utah, joins the show to talk about the lawsuit.Support independent journalism by making a one-time donation here.Sign up for my newsletter for free at UtahPoliticalWatch.news, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreads

Sen. Mike Lee's controversial plan to sell off millions of acres of public lands hits two significant roadblocks. The Senate parliamentarian ruled against the proposal, and he's facing mounting opposition from conservation groups and his fellow Republicans in Congress.There are more questions than answers about the "No Kings" rally in Salt Lake City that left one protester dead. The anonymous organizers are hiding behind a shell company. They also didn't tell police there would be armed safety volunteers in the crowd.Gov. Spencer Cox declares a statewide day of prayer for rain amid worsening drought conditions. The last time Cox did this, he got roasted by John Oliver. Maybe we should be looking for solutions to our water crisis alongside appeals to the supernatural.Support independent journalism by making a one-time donation here.Sign up for my newsletter for free at UtahPoliticalWatch.news, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreads

Utah's members of Congress either supported President Donald Trump's airstrikes against Iran or remained silent, despite the lack of credible intelligence backing the President's justification for the attack. Sen. Mike Lee's contradictory stance on war powers does raise some eyebrows, though.Sen. Lee faced some backlash for his cruel and insensitive social media posts in the aftermath of a tragic shooting in Minnesota. Will he face any consequences for those posts? Probably not.Utah Republican leaders call for more civility and less overheated political rhetoric. They should probably start by looking in the mirror and leading by example.Finally, a look at Sen. Lee's controversial plan to sell off millions of acres of public land to build housing and pay for tax cuts for the wealthy. Sign up for my newsletter for free at UtahPoliticalWatch.news, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreads

Utah elected officials are talking tough about possible violence ahead of protests scheduled all over Utah this weekend. A group of Republicans in Riverton issued a completely over the top statement warning protesters against committing any violence or vandalism. They're worried a similar situation to what transpired in Los Angeles could happen here, but their rhetoric doeesn't match the reality of what is happening in California.There are legitimate questions about the cozy relationship Utah lawmakers have with Jen Brown, a right-wing activist and founder of Utah Citizens for the Constitution, after her connections to a Nazi sympathizer came to light. Brown has been tapped to help guide a taxpayer funded national initiative on federalism, despite her having no academic credentials or expertise on the Constitution.Gov. Spencer Cox says the fight between the Utah Legislature and Salt Lake City over Pride flags is "dumb." but, when he had a chance to veto the law, which he also thinks is "dumb," he punted.Sen. Mike Lee wants to sell public lands to help pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. Sen. John Curtis casts doubt that the Senate will pass the "big, beautiful bill" by July 4. Rep. Blake Moore says everybody should have known Elon Musk was "exaggerating" when he said he would cut $2 billion from the federal budget.Sign up for my newsletter for free at UtahPoliticalWatch.news, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreadsSOURCE LINKS:An activist helping to shape the Utah Legislature's federalism push placed a Nazi-sympathizer in a leadership role in her own organization ChristianDrain.com'The whole thing's dumb.' Utah Gov. Cox blasts Pride flag battle with Salt Lake City DOGE caucus leader says Elon Musk made a 'massive exaggeration' about spending cutsSenate GOP plan would sell millions of acres of Western public landSen. John Curtis says July 4 deadline to pass Trump's tax bill is 'false'

Utah's Republican members of Congress sure like to talk about how they're worried about government debt and deficits, but they're twisting themselves into knots to justify their support for the massive reconciliation bill, which will blow a $2.4 trillion hole in the budget.Rep. Trevor Lee had an outburst on social media after the Utah Mammoth posted a Pride-themed version of its logo, threatening legislation to force political neutrality on organizations receiving taxpayer funds. Experts say that would be unconstitutional.Sen. Mike Lee is in a tough spot amid the messy feud between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Lee also proposed a constitutional amendment to kick every member of Congress out of office if inflation rises above 3% - which is a recipe for political instability.Utah House Republicans reshuffled their leadership team, electing Rep. Casey Snider as Majority Leader. This comes amid growing tensions between the legislature and judiciary, highlighted by calls for Judge John Torgerson to resign or be impeached.Sign up for my newsletter for free at UtahPoliticalWatch.news, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreads

How do Utah Republicans decide whether a study is credible? If it aligns with their politics, they embrace it - even if it relies on fabricated research. If it contradicts their agenda, they ignore it.Utah Democrats pick Brian King as their new party chairman. What will it take for the state's superminority party to start making an impact politically?Rep. Blake Moore was all in on Elon Musk and DOGE. Now, he's trying to distance himself from Musk as quickly as possible.Sign up for my newsletter for free at UtahPoliticalWatch.news, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreads

Is the Utah Republican Party scheming to overturn SB54 and ditch signature gathering, restoring convention delegates as party gatekeepers?  Utah's members of Congress say they're fiscal conservatives, but they won't explain why they voted for the "big, beautiful bill" that blows a big, ugly $3.8 trillion hole in the budget.  A scary incident involving Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall underlines the danger of our current political moment. Sign up for my newsletter for free at UtahPoliticalWatch.news, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support our Utah politics coverage.If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreads

This week, we're wrapping up the 2025 Utah Republican Party Convention: Rob Axson wins another term as party chair.Where does Phil Lyman go from here?It sure sounds like Utah Republicans are hatching a plan to repeal SB54 before the 2026 election.Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage.If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreads

Utah lawmakers face off against Salt Lake City in a battle over Pride flags.The state’s most successful signature gathering effort in history puts a union-busting bill on the ballot.Could Donald Trump influence the future leadership of the Utah Republican party?Plus, a deep dive into the upcoming GOP convention, where the party's direction hangs in the balance.Also, some corrections from last week's episode.Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage.If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreads

The Utah Legislature faces a tough reality as the referendum to overturn the anti-union bill surpasses its signature goal, signaling a significant pushback against Republican lawmakers. A judge's ruling that the state's private school voucher program is unconstitutional leaves legislative leaders scrambling to respond. With no veto override session on the horizon, Governor Spencer Cox's vetoes remain intactPlus a conversation with former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman, co-founder of the Forward Party, as we discuss the recent merger with the United Utah Party and the unique structure of this new political entity. How will they navigate the challenges of a two-party system? What strategies will they employ to resonate with voters?Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreads

In this week's episode:Unions collect 320,000 signatures for the referendum to overturn the union busting bill.Utah's economy earns praise from a conservative group, but dark clouds may be on the horizon.A Utah congressman visits a notorious prison in El Salvador.What is Jason Chaffetz up to?Mike Lee's bestie Elon Musk has a LOT of kids.Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email me at [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreads

In this week's episode:The Utah Legislature is poised to override a veto of a bill pushed by conspiracy theorists.What did the Utah Board of Education waste time on this week?A merger to create the 6th largest political party in Utah.The parallels between Sen. Mike Lee and Jar Jar Binks.Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage. If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email me at [email protected] us on social media:BlueskyTikTokInstagramFacebookThreads

In this week's episode: 👋 Sundance says farewell 🚫🏳️‍🌈 Utah is the first state to ban Pride flags and fluoride in drinking water 🗳️Gov. Spencer Cox nixes vote-by-mail 😳 The effort to overturn Utah's union busting bill gets off to an impressive start 👉 An update on my lawsuit against the Utah Legislature   Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage.    If you'd like to sponsor this podcast, email me at [email protected]   Follow us on social media: Bluesky TikTok Instagram Facebook Threads  

In this week's episode: Could the Pride flag ban prompt the Sundance Film Festival to flee the state? Lawmakers quietly gut Utah's open records law. Freebies for lawmakers during the session. Utah is on the verge of letting the Cavity Creeps win. My guest this week is Austin Archer. He's a Utah born actor, writer and online social media content creator. His social media posts lampooning conservatives and Trump voters have gained a large following. He joins the show to talk about political satire, how he portrays Trump supporters and why conservatives aren't good at producing art. Follow Austin on TikTok, and YouTube.   Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage.  If there's a topic or guest you'd like to hear, drop me a line at [email protected] Catch me on social media: Bluesky TikTok Instagram Facebook Threads

In this week's episode of Special Session: The 2025 Utah Legislature is over. Legislative leaders aren't going to let a minor thing like a bill dying in committee stop them. Legislators pick a fight with the state auditor over office space...and lose. Phil Lyman wants to run the Utah Republican Party. My guest this week is Sen. Daniel Thatcher. He announced Friday that he was leaving the Republican Party to join the Utah Forward Party. Thatcher says the Republican majority is becoming increasingly disconnected from the public. We’ll discuss his decision and how he will approach his job as a caucus of one. Want more? Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage.  If there's a topic or guest you'd like to hear, drop me a line at [email protected] Catch me on social media: Bluesky TikTok Instagram Facebook Threads

In this week's episode of Special Session:   Governor Cox and legislative leaders are throwing a party over education funding that might not be all it's cracked up to be. Next year's budget is going to be tight, but don't worry...there's always room for tax cuts. The legislature hatches a plan to take control of political debates in Utah. We explain why this is a scary idea that should upset you. Plus, Phil Lyman wants to run the Utah GOP. Don't forget to hit subscribe and drop us a rating! Want more? Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage.  If there's a topic or guest you'd like to hear, drop me a line at [email protected]   Catch me on social media: Bluesky TikTok Instagram Facebook Threads

In this week's episode of Special Session: Budget blues hit as lawmakers grapple with disappointing revenue news. Utah AFL/CIO president Jeff Worthington joins the show to discuss HB267, the union-busting bill that takes away collective bargaining rights for public employees. Utah lawmakers want to make it harder and more expensive for the public to access government records - because who doesn't love a little secrecy? We're supposed to have 3 co-equal branches of government, right? Not so fast...   Don't forget to hit subscribe and drop us a rating! Want more? Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my Utah politics coverage.  If there's a topic or guest you'd like to hear, drop me a line at [email protected]   Catch me on social media: Bluesky TikTok Instagram Facebook Threads

In this week's episode of Special Session: Unions busted More money and more limits for Utah's school voucher program Pride flags? No way. Nazi flags? A-okay! Burgess Owens - country music expert. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review to help others discover the show. Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my work in covering Utah politics. If there's a topic or guest you'd like to hear, drop me a line at [email protected] Catch me on social media: Bluesky TikTok Instagram Facebook Threads    

In this episode of Special Session:   Senate Republicans reverse course on the controversial union busting bill. Legislature pushes to double funding for Utah's private school voucher program. A Democratic senator proposes higher taxes for the wealthy. Two bills aim to tilt the judicial system in favor of lawmakers. Kathy Biele from the Utah League of Women Voters joins to discuss concerning election-related legislation. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review to help others discover the show. Sign up for my newsletter at Utah Political Watch for free, and consider becoming a paying subscriber to support my work in covering Utah politics. Catch me on social media: Bluesky TikTok Instagram Facebook Threads