Winning for Democracy: Utah’s Playbook for Red-State Bipartisan Coalitions

On January 15, leaders from across Utah’s civic and political landscape came together for a virtual discussion on how the state’s shifting population is influencing organizing and electoral strategy. Katie Wright, Executive Director of the Utah Donor Collaborative, Emma Petty Addams, Co-Executive Director for ‪@mormonwomenforethicalgov‬, and Matt Lyon, Utah Lead for the Rural West Project—joined by moderator Reed Galen, Co-Founder of ‪@TheLincolnProject‬ and President of ‪@JoinTheUnionUS‬—shared firsthand perspectives on the collaborative work underway to build durable, cross-partisan alliances across urban and rural communities.

Throughout the conversation, the speakers underscored the central role of fair political representation in strengthening democracy, pointing to examples of Utahns finding common ground across ideological lines. They highlighted how shared values around accountability, participation, and representation have allowed unlikely partners to work together effectively.

The panel also challenged the assumption that meaningful pro-democracy progress is limited to traditionally blue states. Drawing on lessons from Utah, they emphasized that red states should not be written off—arguing instead that sustained organizing, inclusive coalitions, and strategic engagement can and do create openings for democratic reforms, even in places long considered politically out of reach.

Learn more about the Utah Donor Collaborative here: https://utahdonorcollaborative.com/
Learn more about MWEG here: https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgove...
Learn more about Reed’s projects the Union here: https://www.jointheunion.us/ and the Lincoln Project here: https://lincolnproject.us/

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:

Katie Wright is a nonprofit leader focused on connecting human and financial capital to address challenges such as climate change and democracy reform. As Executive Director of the Utah Donor Collaborative, she partners with donors and expert organizations to help transform Utah’s political landscape. From 2008 to 2021, she led the Park City Community Foundation, growing it into one of the nation’s fastest-growing community foundations while expanding grant-making and community investment. From 2021 to 2025, she led Better Boundaries, advancing fair maps and protecting Utahns’ constitutional rights to balanced ballot language and citizen-led reform. Katie is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Morocco, 2005–2007) and holds an MPA from Rutgers University and a B.A. from Colorado College.

Emma Petty Addams serves as co-executive director for Mormon Women for Ethical Government. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in piano performance at Stanford University, she spent time in Boston and Silicon Valley working in contracts negotiation, corporate transactions and capitalization, and investor relations. In addition, she has built and run large piano studios in California, New Jersey, and Omaha, Nebraska. While seemingly unrelated, these previous career opportunities were excellent preparation for the fast-paced yet methodical and collaborative nature of the work at MWEG. Every time an MWEG member writes an op-ed, speaks out against injustice, or expresses her opinion peacefully on social media, Emma is grateful for the chance to help women contribute their part to the complex multi-voice symphony that is our democracy. Emma currently resides with her husband and three sons in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Matt Lyon is the founding and managing partner of Blueprint Public Affairs, Finance Director for the Rural West Project, and leads the Rural West Project's program in Utah. A long time Utah political consultant and operative, Matt was a founder of the Better Boundaries initiative, the Utah Donor Collaborative, Alliance for a Better Utah, and other local and national redistricting efforts. He has run and worked on campaigns for the U.S. Senate, U.S. Congress, various state and mayoral efforts and a State Democratic Party.

Reed Galen is an independent political strategist, co-founder of The Lincoln Project, and currently serves as the President of The Union, a nationwide coalition working to rebuild American democracy from the ground up. The Union brings together volunteers, organizers, and local leaders to support decent, competent candidates at every level of government. Under Reed’s leadership, The Union is building the infrastructure needed to show up in all 50 states and strengthen civic engagement nationwide.