Rep. Sahara Hayes, Utah’s only LGBTQ+ legislator, named House Democratic Assistant Whip
Utah’s Democratic Party announced its House leadership team on Tuesday, Nov. 19, including naming Rep. Sahara Hayes (D-Millcreek) as the House Democratic Assistant Whip. Hayes, who represents House District 32, is Utah’s only openly LGBTQ+ legislator and the state’s first openly bisexual lawmaker.
Since her election in 2022, Hayes has emerged as a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, mental health access, and environmental protection. Her appointment to the Democratic leadership team underscores her growing influence on Utah’s Capitol Hill.
Other leaders named are Rep. Angela Romero, House Democratic Leader; Rep. Jen Dailey-Provost House, House Democratic Whip; and Rep. Doug Owens House, Democratic Caucus Manager.
A Lifelong Utahn and Passionate Public Servant
A native of her district, Hayes grew up in Millcreek and has spent over 20 years serving her community. After graduating from Westminster College, she pursued a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Utah, where she discovered a passion for public policy and a drive to create meaningful change.
Hayes’ decision to run for office was fueled by witnessing debates on reproductive healthcare and the treatment of transgender youth.
“As the partner of a transgender woman, we grieved deeply when HB11 passed and again when the draft overturning Roe v. Wade leaked,” she wrote in a recent op-ed. “I want to remind the Republican supermajority that the LGBTQ+ community are more than faceless political scapegoats.”
Her commitment to ensuring vulnerable voices are heard has remained central to her work. Hayes led efforts during her first term to expand LGBTQ+ protections and resisted legislative attempts to restrict the rights of transgender Utahns.
A Record of Community Leadership
Outside of politics, Hayes has dedicated herself to supporting nonprofits and local governments through grant writing and service. She previously served on the Millcreek Community Council and the Board of Directors for the Utah Cultural Celebration Center Foundation.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Hayes is a self-described avid reader, hiker, knitter, and aerial arts enthusiast. She lives in Millcreek with her partner, Lily, and their rescue pets.
Shaping Utah’s Future
Hayes’ leadership comes at a critical time for Utah’s LGBTQ+ community. As legislative attacks on LGBTQ+ rights increase, Hayes remains a vocal proponent of equity and inclusion. Her guiding principle, she says, is to ensure public policy prioritizes the most vulnerable.
Her recent electoral success reinforces her popularity and influence. Hayes won re-election with a commanding 75.1% of the vote, defeating Republican challenger Sarah Montes.
As she steps into her new leadership role, Hayes remains focused on her priorities: improving Utah’s education system, protecting the environment, and advocating for LGBTQ+ youth and families.
“We are colleagues,” she reminded her peers in her op-ed. “I want them to have to look me in the eyes when they push policies designed to harm me, my family, and this community.”
