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WEST VALLEY CITY — First-term state Rep. Brett Garner won't return to the Utah Legislature next year after he was defeated in the Salt Lake County Democratic Party nominating convention on Saturday.
Garner, who represents state House District 31 from West Valley City, was tapped by delegates to replace Karen Kwan in January 2023 — after Kwan filled an open seat in the state Senate. Garner earned only 27% of the delegate vote on Saturday and was defeated by Democratic challenger Verona Mauga, according to the Salt Lake County Democratic Party. Because neither candidate submitted the necessary 1,000 signatures to force a Democratic primary, Mauga will face Andrew G. Nieto, a Republican, in the November general election.
In a statement to KSL.com on Tuesday, Garner blamed the loss in part on the early date of the county convention, which set the signature deadline for the race on March 18. He said this left him with little time to collect the required signatures, especially given his duties during the legislative session which ended March 1.
"I suppose I could have worked harder, though it would have come at a cost of my family's health and safety," he said. "Or I could have given less of an effort at the Legislature, which I felt was wrong. I also could have raised the funds to hire a signature gathering firm, but I was hoping, as I was appointed, my in-person canvassing would pay dividends in the primary and general elections."
Garner did turn in 876 signatures before the deadline, according to the state elections office, 85% of which he said he collected himself.
"I will finish my term and return to being a stay-at-home dad to the greatest family in the world," Garner said.
Mauga is a first-generation immigrant, community organizer and small business owner, according to her campaign website. She operates Sagato Bakey & Cafe in Midvale and Renew Wellness & Recovery in Herriman.
"I am thrilled with the results of the convention on Saturday," she told KSL.com in a statement. "I want to make sure our supporters know how grateful I am for all their hard work to make this possible. Our message clearly resonated with conventiongoers, I am committed to community, dedicated to results. We intend to earn every vote in my district and win in November."
Nieto, who lives in Taylorsville, is the only Republican in the race after Russ Moore withdrew. Nieto is a substitute teacher, according to his campaign website.
