Derek Kitchen enters race for Congress

Former state senator, Salt Lake City councilmember, and LGBTQ+ civil rights figure Derek Kitchen officially launched his campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives this week, declaring that Utah’s newly redrawn 1st Congressional District “finally has a Democratic district, and it deserves a real progressive champion who has what it takes to fight back against Donald Trump and the MAGA Republican agenda.”

Kitchen, long known for his role in Utah’s marriage equality movement and his tenure as one of the few openly LGBTQ+ lawmakers in the state, said the new district presents a once-in-a-generation opening.

“Utah finally has a district where we can elect a representative who reflects our values,” he said, adding, “Now, Utah has a newly drawn district – a strong, solidly Democratic district – and for the first time in a generation, we have the chance to elect a progressive leader who reflects the values of the people who live here.”

Kitchen frames his candidacy around a lifelong commitment to justice and public service.

“Utah is my home. It’s shaped my values, grounded my work, and taught me what community really means,” he said. That foundation, he noted, began long before he held office. In 2013, Kitchen and his now-former husband became central figures in the landmark marriage equality case Kitchen v. Herbert. “I sued the governor in federal court… that made Utah the first state in America where a federal court required recognition of same-sex marriage,” he said. “It showed the nation what I already knew: Utah can lead.”

He says that belief guided his work at every stage. “On the Salt Lake City Council and in the Utah State Senate, I fought for affordable housing, sustainable growth, equality and dignity for every Utahn, and economic development that actually benefits working families — standing proudly with organized labor along the way.”

But being openly queer in Utah’s conservative Legislature also shaped his ability to govern. “As one of the few openly LGBTQ+ legislators in America – and as a progressive in the deep-red Utah legislature – I learned how to build coalitions, work across the aisle, and stand firm when it really matters.”

Kitchen also highlights federal experience he gained after leaving the Senate. “Most recently, I served in the Biden Administration as Senior Vice President at the Export-Import Bank, where I worked at the intersection of economic diplomacy, trade policy, and national security.”

Still, he insists some of his deepest lessons came from closer to home.

“Some of the most important lessons I’ve learned don’t come from government or politics. They come from owning a small business in Salt Lake,” he said. His popular restaurant, he added, taught him that “it all starts at the kitchen table… Running a small business teaches you humility, grit, and the power of service. It teaches you to take care of your people – and that’s more than just paying a living wage, it’s about bringing people together. Community is something you build.”

That message plays prominently in his pitch to voters of the new 1st District, which spans much of urban Salt Lake County and is widely considered safely Democratic after redistricting.

“We have a chance to elect a proven progressive who shares our values,” Kitchen said. “In Congress, Derek will fight for the Utah that we believe in, and I’ll never compromise on our values.”

Kitchen’s platform centers on four major themes: economic security, human rights, environmental protection, and government accountability.

“We deserve a Utah where everyone can afford to live and thrive,” he said, promising to “champion affordable housing, living wages, and smart growth that plans for the future.”

Kitchen also emphasized his continued commitment to civil rights.

“We deserve a Utah that leads on equality and human rights,” he said. “I will fight for full dignity for LGBTQ+ Utahns, women, immigrants, and communities historically excluded from power. I’m pro-choice, and I will always stand up for abortion rights.”

Environmental protection also features prominently in his message.

“We deserve a Utah that protects its outdoors, and our future,” Kitchen said. “We face many unique challenges with climate change in Utah – a drying Great Salt Lake, dangerous air, and risk to our tourism. I will always stand up to protect the environment.”

And, as in his past campaigns, he stresses independence from corporate interests.

“Our campaign will be fueled by people like you, not special interests,” Kitchen said. “Derek will always champion transparency, anti-corruption policies, and a representative who works for the people, not special interests.”

Kitchen closed his announcement with a promise to bring his history of advocacy to Washington.

“I’ve always fought for the issues that matter, even when it’s tough,” he said. “I’m ready to carry that fight all the way to Congress.”