Utah's Christmas Wish List: Politicians, Fans, and More

Utah's leaders and residents have quite the Christmas wish list this year. From politicians to sports fans, everyone has their eyes on Santa.

Political Wishes

Governor and Lt. Governor

• Gov. Spencer Cox is hoping for a snowy New Year. He's been promoting kindness and respect through his "Disagree Better" campaign. A snowy New Year would be a nice thank-you gift.
• Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson wants a break from election chaos. She's hoping for a smooth election season without any surprises.

State Officials

• State Auditor Tina Cannon is ready for a change. She's asked for moving boxes, packing peanuts, and a good view from her new office outside the Capitol building.

U.S. Senators

• U.S. Sen. Mike Lee has mixed feelings about Santa. He doesn't like the idea of someone judging people as naughty or nice. But he could use Santa's help to gain support for eliminating the filibuster.
• U.S. Sen. John Curtis is happy about the warm December. It's dampening critics of his conservative climate efforts. He's also hoping for a good snowfall.

Other Political Figures

• Gavin Newsom and Zohran Mamdani have a long wish list. They want Trump's approval rating to keep falling, JD Vance to not get too popular, the economy to stay sluggish, and a plan to unite and invigorate the Democratic base.
• Senate President Stuart Adams has a unique request. He wants comfortable but firm muzzles for the two Democratic congressional candidates in the Senate during the legislative session.
• House Speaker Mike Schultz wants congressional maps not drawn by liberal organizations, a speedy and favorable ruling from the Supreme Court, and national Democratic groups to spend their money elsewhere.
• Emily Buss, the newly elected Utah Forward Party State Senator, wants an instruction book on how to run a caucus of one or an invitation to caucus with either the Republicans or Democrats.
• University of Utah President Taylor Randall wants Utahns to remember they admire innovation and want to compete against big Eastern colleges. He hopes this will secure support for the transfer of college athletics to a private nonprofit.
• BYU fans are hoping for a win in the upcoming bowl game. They need the victory to recruit bigger donations to compete with the Utes and their new source of funding.
• The Utah judiciary wants a peaceful legislative session with minimal discussions about the balance of power between branches of government.
• Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall wants the season of caring to extend through the legislative session when lawmakers deliberate homelessness funding.
• Frugal Salt Lake County voters want a successful tax referendum. Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson wants the opposite.
• Renae Cowley has a unique request. She wants lots of snow to fill the reservoirs so she can feed all the colts she's expecting this spring.

Resident Opinions

• Utah MAGA isn't fond of Santa, saying he defies border security and takes jobs from Americans.
• Utah progressives think Santa isn't woke enough and treats his workers poorly.

Sports Fans

• Utah Jazz fans are disappointed with the season so far.
• Utah Mammoth fans are hoping for a playoff berth.

General Wishes

• All Utahns are hoping for a completed temple and lots of snow. They miss the Christmas light displays and are tired of the scaffolding.
• Former House Speaker and Olympic Chairman Brad Wilson wants a new logo.
• Reps. Blake Moore, Celeste Maloy, Mike Kennedy, and Burgess Owens have a unique request. They want one of them to not run for reelection, or a way to decide who should.
• Democratic congressional candidates have a specific wish. They want voters to focus on their pride parade participation, Juneteenth Facebook posts, and EVs in their driveways. They hope voters forget about any mistakes they've made.
• Utah Democratic Party Chair Brian King is happy with the bluest congressional district imaginable.
• Utah Republican Party Chair Rob Axson wants elves to gather signatures for the repeal of Proposition 4 Initiative. He also wants snow delayed until February.