Utah State Senate District 12

Current seat holder: Karen Kwan (D).

Karen Kwan

Karen Kwan (Democratic) is the incumbent member of the Utah State Senate representing District 12, which covers Salt Lake County. According to Utah Legislature roster records, Karen Kwan began legislative service in January 1, 2017, works in Associate Professor, studied at B.A. Psychology and M.A. Clinical Psychology - Pepperdine University; Ed.D. Educational Leadership and Policy - University of Utah Psychology.

“The attorney general's office circumvented that process and went to Sen. Kwan and Rep. Whyte to get everything that they wanted in Sen. Wilson's bill. They left me out of that process, they left out the other members of my committee from two years ago that were involved. And I believe, unfortunately, they used Sen. Kwan and Rep. Whyte as pawns,” (Utah News Dispatch)
“The internet moves very quickly and these perpetrators are able to find loopholes, and we need to make sure we are protecting the kids at whatever age they are,” (Utah News Dispatch)

Deidre Tyler

Deidre Tyler (Republican) is a 2026 general election candidate for the Utah State Senate in District 12, covering Salt Lake County. Deidre Tyler qualified with the Utah Lieutenant Governor's Elections Office to appear on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot for Senate District 12.

“I support ethics investigations into financial conflicts and other misconduct by any elected official, transparency in decision-making at every level of government, and timely notice so residents can participate in hearings and reviews.” (Salt Lake Tribune)

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