Sahara Hayes

Sahara Hayes is a committed community member and empathetic leader, and has lived in House District 32 for over 20 years. Her background is in nonprofit organizations and local government, and she currently serves on her community council. Through these efforts, Sahara has come to deeply understand the unique concerns and challenges that impact her community.

After seeing the debates in Utah’s legislature on reproductive healthcare and the treatment of transgender youth, Sahara was inspired to run for office. Discussions surrounding marginalized communities need to be centered on dignity and humanity, not stigmatization and exclusion, and Sahara is running to advocate for these groups. Her top priorities are strengthening Utah’s education system, protecting the environment, and increasing access to gender-affirming health care.

Sahara is an avid reader, hiker, knitter, and aerialist. She graduated from Westminster College, then earned her Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Utah. She lives with her partner, Lily, and their rescue pets. If elected, she will likely be the only openly queer member of Utah’s legislature.