In Utah's state capitol, critical decisions about our democracy's future often occur behind closed doors. With one party wielding nearly unchecked power, backroom deals between lawmakers, lobbyists, and religious leaders have become the norm. This is the peril of a supermajority.
Utah boasts stunning landscapes, strong communities, and deeply rooted religious traditions. Yet beneath this picturesque surface lies a political reality that threatens our democracy: the unchecked power of a supermajority.
For decades, the Republican Party has dominated Utah’s legislature, creating a system that mirrors a one-party state more than a representative democracy. While political power shifts in many states, Utah’s supermajority persists, raising serious questions about accountability, transparency, and the health of our democratic system.
The roots of this supermajority stretch back to the mid-20th century, influenced by the John Birch Society, and further molded by far-right movements, like the Eagle Forum and the Tea Party, and new groups like Moms for Liberty. These movements foster a culture of political extremism that has made a home and been normalized in Utah politics.
This also crates an enviroment ripe for creating lone wolf extremists willing to act on their political agitation, exemplified by recent events like Ammon Bundy's armed standoff with federal agents. Bundy's defiance reflects a broader connection between church culture and political extremism in Utah. The LDS Church’s teachings on self-reliance and wariness of government overreach have provided a moral cover for these ideologies.
As these movements evolved, so did their grip on Utah's political system, leading to the current supermajority. When one party holds all the power, the normal checks and balances of democracy start to break down. Legislators become loyal soldiers to a one-party system, following marching orders from leadership and outside organizations like the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).
For example, Utah’s 2019 passage of HB 433, which curbed the voter-approved Proposition 2 legalizing medical cannabis, emerged from a backroom deal where the LDS Church lobbied behind closed doors. Also in this same year the supermajority undermined the Medicaid Expansion ballot initiative, as well as the better boundaries initiative. This undermined the will of the voters, reflecting a broader problem where legislation is influenced not by public debate, but by private interests.
Beyond medical cannabis, the LDS Church has actively lobbied against efforts to expand LGBTQ+ rights, blurring the lines between religious advocacy and state law. This cozy relationship between the church and state isn’t just theoretical—it has real consequences for Utah’s democracy.
The Utah Supreme Court’s rejection of Amendment D, which sought to rewrite the rules around ballot initiatives, exemplifies the legislature’s attempt to consolidate power, ignoring voters’ will. When lawmakers no longer fear losing their seats because the opposition is weak, they stop serving the people and start serving themselves and special interests.
Organizations like ALEC thrive in environments dominated by supermajorities, where they can quietly influence legislation. ALEC's model bills, often crafted by corporate interests, are handed directly to lawmakers, bypassing public debate and often serving business interests over Utah citizens. Utah's ties to ALEC run deep, with current leadership serving as a national director.
Breaking up the supermajority and restoring democracy is crucial. The solution isn’t to shift power entirely but to restore balance. It's also important to acknowledge the roll the LDS Church plays in maintaining the Supermajority. The LDS Church has every right to advocate for its beliefs, but there must be a clear line between church priorities and government policies. Utah cannot continue to function as a de-facto theocracy, where legislation is drafted in church headquarters and delivered to legislators as if from on high.
The 2034 Olympics will once again put Utah in the global spotlight, offering a perfect opportunity to showcase our commitment to democracy and fair governance. The world will not only watch our ski slopes but also our politics. Utah’s ability to balance tradition, diversity, and democracy will be the litmus test for its future. A prosperous Utah is one that upholds democratic values and represents all voices in our state.
The road to breaking up Utah’s supermajority starts with voters demanding more from their representatives. We must insist on transparency, hold elected officials accountable at the ballot box, and fight for campaign finance reform that prioritizes the will of the people over special interests. We must also demand that our current GOP legislators stop bloc voting and participating in backroom deals, which resemble the “secret combinations” described in the Book of Mormon—like those of the Gadianton robbers who operated in secrecy, pursuing power and control at the expense of the people. They need to return to a normal legislative order of governance, not dominance. Restoring balance to our political system isn’t just about fairness; it’s about preserving the future of democracy in Utah.
The challenge before us is not just political; it’s moral. As Utahns, we must ask ourselves whether we are content with a system where power is concentrated in the hands of a few, or if we are willing to fight for a more accountable and transparent government. The stakes are too high to remain silent. True democracy thrives when it reflects the voices of all its citizens, not just the interests of the powerful. It’s time for Utah to break free from the grip of one-party dominance, reject the influence of “secret combinations,” and restore the principles of fairness and balance that ensure a healthy democracy. The future of our state, and its commitment to democratic values, depends on it.
Drew Reese is an emeritus chairman of the Utah Veterans Caucus, a retired Air Force and Army National Guard veteran with a background in communications and strategic messaging. He is an advocate for Veterans issues, social justice, political accountability, and a hopeful, inclusive future for Utah.