The Youngest at the DNC
Utah’s delegation, like the state itself, is the youngest at the DNC — half the states delegates are millennials. I spoke to delegates Cristobal Villegas of Mapleton and Kevin Perez of West Valley at the Hispanic Caucus meeting this morning.
Both are first-time delegates and noted how much the Democratic party in their deep-red state welcomes newcomers. Cristobal emphasized the youth of the Utah delegation and how it bring passion and energy to the process.
“This is a preview because we are the future leaders of tomorrow. And so this is a glimpse of what we want to achieve.”
He noted that his home county is known as the “cradle” of the United States due to its high birth rate, and that the state’s youth and unprecedented levels of immigration represent a huge opportunity to build the party.
“It’ll help change where Utah’s headed.”
Asked what unites the Democratic Party, Kevin said it is a matter of fundamental values,
“Wanting a better future and wanting to really progress in the way we live and the way we do everything.”
Cristobal agreed, saying this is why we as a Democratic Party exist. Kevin agreed, noting that although candidates are important, “we are not one person, we are people.” He added, “It’s the issues that unite us. We are the democratic party representing the people.”
The 37 delegates representing Utah include 21 women, 12 minorities, four people with disabilities, and 10 members of the LGBT community.
Kevin is proud that Utah Democrats were the first to nominate a trans candidate for U.S. Senate. Misty Snow, herself a millennial, will be on the ballot this November. Kevin has become an active volunteer for the Snow campaign.
“I’ve been knocking doors, passing fliers, trying to help throw my little grain of sand into the pot so she can get elected. They say the odds are slim, but by putting the energy into it, we can win.”
Returning to the idea that our party unites around values rather than people, Kevin said, “One person can change the mind of another person. But it’s all those changed minds that can change the world.”
— Rae Sailor
