Michael Farrell for Utah: An Office Open to All

Michael Farrell is a young, energetic, first-time candidate running for the U.S. House of Representatives in Utah’s First Congressional District who wants to be a new, progressive voice for Utah. Farrell realizes that he’s a relatively new kid on the block, but don’t let that fool you. He’s been working hard to build his voice in the community.

In preparation for his campaign, Farrell has held many listening sessions with constituents because one of his top priorities is for his promises on the campaign trail to reflect what he will actually do in office. Farrell knows that building a grassroots movement takes grit, but he’s putting in the work. Farrell believes that once voters get to know him, they’ll be drawn to his style of politics and authenticity. He says, “I’m not beholden to special interests like so many candidates, so I can be unapologetically myself.”

Farrell’s goals revolve around implementing progressive policy priorities, including universal healthcare; parental leave and childcare; abolishing ICE; legalizing marijuana; expanding federal LGBTQ+, reproductive and voter rights; increasing the federal minimum wage; creating affordable housing; and taxing the rich. When asked how he plans to sell a red state like Utah on these blue values, he says it doesn’t have to be a question of conservative or liberal. Rather, he wants to appeal to common sense. “I can’t convince anyone who supports ICE to abolish it by saying it is bad,” Farrell explains. “But I can point out to conservative and MAGA voters that ICE isn’t protecting anyone’s liberties, including our First or Second Amendment rights.”

“We are the richest country in the world. We can invest more in our people.”

When advocating for universal healthcare, Farrell knows that making the argument that healthcare is a human right is only part of the message. He understands the hidden costs of our existing healthcare system and describes how the vast majority of Utahns will save money through universal healthcare by raising taxes on the rich. “The only folks who won’t save money are millionaires and billionaires, and so be it — they should be paying their fair share, anyway,” he says. As a tax attorney of 12 years, Farrell is intimately familiar with the way our financial system works. “We have the money,” he says. “We are the richest country in the world. We can invest more in our people.” During his time in private practice, he has only seen life get worse for working-class families, and he is tired of waiting for things to get better. He believes his vision for Congress is the right approach needed for Utahns and is framed by his core belief that “behind every number is a person.”

Farrell’s office will be open to all. “If I am fortunate and honored enough to earn the votes of Utahns, I don’t want to be in office only focusing on raising money to run for re-election like so many politicians do,” he says. “I will spend the time I have in office doing something for people and not just campaigning for re-election.” He won’t be a representative whose constituents call with concerns just for those calls to “go straight into a black hole.” He will be a responsive representative. “I want to constantly be attentive to what my constituents need and expect from me,” he says.

To support Michael Farrell’s campaign, visit michaelforutah.com. You can also sign up to be a volunteer, donate, or help spread the word about his campaign. Farrell’s motto in life carries over to his campaign: “Everyone pitching in makes everyone better off.”

Read some features from last year’s Local Leaders issue:
The Silent Realm: How Hope on Ttap Speaks Through Stigma
Bridging Feminist Theory, Media Ethics and Queer Justice in Higher Education