For thousands of years, political junkies have always offered end-of-the-year thoughts and analysis. So, here’s our list of the most important political moments for Utah.
What was the highlight for Republicans in 2025?
Cowley: Despite fits, starts and court challenges to Trump’s agenda; a really embarrassing Signal chat; adding to the federal deficit; and Trump’s sinking approval numbers, Republicans still remain on top in almost every polling category. Republican Party loyalists report better mental health, their ranks are growing and they are happier than Democrats. Even with political challenges, Republican officials are still viewed more favorably than their rudderless Democratic colleagues.
Pignanelli: Analysis of the 2024 elections documented dramatic increases in support for Trump among Latino and Black voters. However, this preference began to decline by mid-2025 due to economic concerns. A return is possible if inflation and employment issues are resolved.
What was the highlight for Democrats in 2025?
Cowley: Nationally, the highlight for progressive Democrats has to be Zohran Mamdani being elected as New York City mayor. A democratic socialist on this big a stage may outline the future of their party.
In the Beehive State, the highlight was undoubtedly the unions’ successful referendum signature-gathering efforts, punctuated by the Legislature’s repeal of the law with virtually no concessions from organized labor.
Pignanelli: Although off-year elections are always difficult for the party in power, Democrats needed to secure overwhelming victories in Virginia and New Jersey. Because the margins were so big, pundits dropped the gloomy predictions for Democrats.
What was the most historic moment in Utah?
Cowley & Pignanelli: Most journalists and pundits agreed that the most significant moment in Utah this year was the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk. For something like this to happen in Utah County was shocking enough, but the response from state officials was praised worldwide. More importantly, this tragedy has become the bellwether demonstrating appropriate civil discourse.
Honorable mention: The collective bargaining legislation and resulting referendum (which gathered over 300,000 signatures) will provide important lessons to both parties and political operatives for generations.
What was the most historic moment nationally?
Cowley: The longest government shutdown in American history. It was unnecessary and cruel to put hardworking Americans in the political line of fire. I hope Congress finds better bargaining chips in the future.
Pignanelli: The bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities. This altered negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, bolstered Middle East foreign policy objectives and sent signals to our potential adversaries.
What was the most underreported event in the past year?
Cowley: The impact and tone of social media, especially from Team Trump. Sombrero memes and mean tweets coming from official White House accounts were a stark departure from typical protocols and decorum.
Pignanelli: Legislation passed in the 2025 legislative session allowed for greater flexibility in the production of energy. Utah is in a race with other states to become the center of artificial intelligence. But we had to overcome long-entrenched legal barriers to allow for new entrants into the energy space. What happened in March will continue to resonate for generations.
What was the biggest change in 2025?
Cowley: Utah’s congressional redistricting will have significant repercussions felt across not just federal races but also legislative ones and ballot initiatives and will spark legislation for the upcoming session.
Pignanelli: Antisemitism has plagued humanity for thousands of years. But recently, we have witnessed more frequent outbursts and an unfortunate acceptance in various quarters. Hopefully, this is a temporary illness.
What was Trump’s most significant moment?
Cowley: The summit with Putin in Alaska. Though the conflict wages on, it has demonstrated Trump’s power globally.
Pignanelli: Although it may not last, the peace in the Middle East between Israel and the Palestinians is a noteworthy event. Regardless of political affiliation, Trump should be commended.
What was the weirdest event of 2025?
Cowley: Elon Musk and President Trump’s on-again/off-again bromance. Elon was one of Trump’s largest donors and ran his campaign’s ground game. After several odd Oval Office press events and shocking firings from DOGE via social media posts, the partnership hit a rough patch when Elon threatened to start a third party. Not long after, the two seemed to make up again after a half-hearted apology from Elon on X, then they reunited at Charlie Kirk’s funeral. I can’t tell if they are homies or frenemies right now.
Pignanelli: As an obnoxious teenager, I would never have dreamed of listening to the music of the 1940s and 1950s. Thus, the increased use of popular songs from the 1970s and 1980s by people a third of my age in entertainment and political events is weird but enjoyable.
What was our favorite political event from 2025?
Cowley: The MAHA movement is gaining traction locally and nationally. Utah banned fluoride, prohibited sodas purchased with SNAP benefits and is phasing out food dyes. Nationally, RFK is aggressively implementing healthier school lunches, investigating causes of autism, changing vaccine recommendations and more. Living a healthy lifestyle shouldn’t involve tremendous effort to avoid ingesting harmful chemicals.
Pignanelli: The needed public acknowledgment that we are soon celebrating the 250th anniversary of our independence was overdue. The pride that emanated on July 4 of this year and percolated elsewhere was heartwarming.