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Aaron Wiley
Aaron Wiley (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Utah State Senate to represent District 8. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Wiley completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Aaron Wiley was born in Denver, Colorado. He earned a high school diploma from Cottonwood High School and a bachelor's degree from the University of Utah in 2007. His career experience includes working as an entrepreneur in the Software as a Service (SaaS) sector.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Utah State Senate elections, 2024
General election
General election for Utah State Senate District 8
Incumbent Todd Weiler defeated Aaron Wiley, Alisa Cox Van Langeveld, and Larry Livingston in the general election for Utah State Senate District 8 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Todd Weiler (R) | 47.1 | 24,142 |
 | Aaron Wiley (D)  | 32.3 | 16,555 | |
 | Alisa Cox Van Langeveld (Unaffiliated) | 17.2 | 8,807 | |
| Larry Livingston (Constitution Party) | 3.4 | 1,736 | ||
| Total votes: 51,240 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Aaron Wiley advanced from the Democratic primary for Utah State Senate District 8.
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Utah State Senate District 8
Incumbent Todd Weiler defeated Ronald Mortensen in the Republican primary for Utah State Senate District 8 on June 25, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Todd Weiler | 68.5 | 10,772 |
| Ronald Mortensen | 31.5 | 4,965 | ||
| Total votes: 15,737 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Constitution primary election
The Constitution primary election was canceled. Larry Livingston advanced from the Constitution primary for Utah State Senate District 8.
Democratic convention
Democratic convention for Utah State Senate District 8
Aaron Wiley advanced from the Democratic convention for Utah State Senate District 8 on April 27, 2024.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | | Aaron Wiley (D) |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican convention
Republican convention for Utah State Senate District 8
Incumbent Todd Weiler and Ronald Mortensen defeated Brady Tracy in the Republican convention for Utah State Senate District 8 on April 27, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Todd Weiler (R) | 52.8 | 65 |
| ✔ | Ronald Mortensen (R) | 47.2 | 58 | |
| Brady Tracy (R) | 0.0 | 0 | ||
| Total votes: 123 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Constitution convention
Constitution convention for Utah State Senate District 8
Larry Livingston advanced from the Constitution convention for Utah State Senate District 8 on April 13, 2024.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | Larry Livingston (Constitution Party) | |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Wiley in this election.
Pledges
Wiley signed the following pledges.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Aaron Wiley completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Wiley's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Aaron gained recognition for his leadership in successfully advocating for the closure of Stericycle, a medical waste facility in North Salt Lake that was emitting dangerous pollutants. His efforts protected local communities, including Bountiful and Woods Cross, from harmful air pollution and demonstrated his commitment to environmental justice and clean air.
His political journey began as Utah’s first State Director for Barack Obama’s campaign, where he built grassroots support across the state. He continues to champion bipartisan solutions and serves on the Salt Lake City PNUT (Parks, Neighborhoods, and Urban Trails) board.
Raised in Holladay, Aaron studied political science at the University of Utah. He has coached youth baseball in Rose Park for over 15 years and is passionate about giving back to his community.
As a father of four, Aaron understands the challenges families face. He is running to ensure the voices of all Utahns are heard, with a focus on protecting the environment, investing in public schools, and supporting small businesses.- Our district, from Bountiful to Rose Park, faces a housing affordability crisis. Rising costs are pushing families out of their homes and creating unsustainable living conditions. I will champion policies that promote affordable housing development, protect renters from displacement, and encourage public-private partnerships. By reforming zoning laws and expanding housing assistance programs, we can ensure that everyone—regardless of income—has a safe, affordable place to live. I am committed to creating long-term, sustainable solutions that benefit both our communities and future generations.
- Homelessness is a pressing issue in Salt Lake, and across our district. We must tackle its root causes, including the lack of affordable housing, untreated mental health conditions, and substance abuse. I will advocate for increased funding for mental health and addiction recovery services, expand housing-first programs, and push for public-private partnerships to provide long-term solutions. By focusing on prevention and wraparound support services, we can help our most vulnerable residents find stability and a path forward.
- Strong public schools are the foundation of a thriving community, from The Avenues to Woods Cross. Our students deserve better, and I will fight for increased investment in education, smaller class sizes, and higher teacher pay. We must prioritize funding for public schools to provide every child with the tools to succeed. I’ll support policies that close the achievement gap, offer mental health resources in schools, and strengthen pathways to post-secondary education. Investing in our children is the best investment we can make for the future of our district and state.
In particular, I align with his approach to addressing structural inequality—a key aspect of my own philosophy. Whether it's fighting for affordable housing, working to improve mental health services, or addressing homelessness in communities like Bountiful, Rose Park, and Woods Cross, I believe in uplifting all voices, especially those who are often unheard. Like Obama, I advocate for bipartisanship and finding solutions through collaboration, even in divisive times. It’s about building bridges, not walls, and understanding that the challenges we face—whether in health care, the economy, or education—can only be resolved when we work together.
Additionally, I’d recommend the documentary "13th" by Ava DuVernay to understand how systemic issues like racial and social injustice inform my political philosophy. The film's exploration of the intersection between race, criminal justice, and inequality aligns with my belief in social equity and the need for reforms in our legal and economic systems. It’s crucial for leaders to be aware of how policies can inadvertently harm vulnerable communities, and this awareness informs my approach to policymaking, ensuring I always consider the most marginalized in my work.
Legislating effectively involves crafting and supporting laws that address the community's most pressing challenges. An elected official must understand the complexities of policy-making and work collaboratively with other leaders to develop solutions that are practical, sustainable, and beneficial for the long term. This includes focusing on economic development, healthcare access, environmental protection, and public safety.
A critical responsibility is being a steward of public trust. This means maintaining transparency, accountability, and integrity in all actions. Elected officials must be open about their decision-making process, ensuring that constituents are informed and involved. It’s essential to act in the best interests of the public, avoiding conflicts of interest and prioritizing the needs of the community over personal or political gain.
First and foremost, open lines of communication are crucial. The governor and state legislators should engage in regular dialogue to share their perspectives, priorities, and concerns. This helps build trust and fosters a cooperative environment where both branches can work together to address pressing issues like affordable housing, mental health, and economic development.
Additionally, while the governor plays a vital role in setting the state’s agenda and proposing legislation, the legislature is responsible for representing the diverse voices of constituents and making decisions that reflect their needs. The governor should encourage input from legislators, especially those from different parties or representing diverse communities, ensuring that policies are inclusive and equitable. This is particularly important in addressing the unique challenges faced by residents in areas like North Salt Lake, Bountiful, and Rose Park.
Moreover, both the governor and the legislature must uphold a system of checks and balances. The governor should respect the legislature's authority to scrutinize and amend proposals, while legislators must recognize the executive branch's need for timely decision-making. This balance allows for accountability and ensures that policies are not only well-crafted but also effectively implemented.
Housing Crisis: We are currently experiencing a severe housing crisis, with skyrocketing costs and insufficient affordable housing options. This has led to increased displacement and homelessness in communities like Bountiful, North Salt Lake, and Rose Park. To combat this challenge, we must prioritize policies that promote equitable housing development, support first-time homebuyers, and invest in sustainable housing initiatives that address the needs of all residents.
Environmental Crisis: The impacts of climate change and environmental degradation are becoming increasingly evident. Our state faces challenges related to air and water quality, natural resource depletion, and habitat destruction. We need to implement policies that promote clean air and water, invest in renewable energy, and protect our ecosystems. Engaging communities in sustainability efforts will be vital for ensuring a healthy environment for future generations.
Education Crisis: Disparities in educational access and quality persist, leading to an education crisis that affects our students' futures. We must work to ensure equitable access to quality education, support teachers, and invest in resources that cater to diverse student needs. Focusing on early childhood education and improving educational outcomes for underserved populations will be crucial in preparing our youth for success in a rapidly changing job market.
Constituent Connection: Legislators who understand the challenges and aspirations of their communities can advocate more effectively for policies addressing issues like affordable housing, mental health, and education. This alignment ensures that initiatives resonate with the public.
Responsive Governance: Commitment to serving the community drives effective governance. Legislators who prioritize constituent engagement and listen to their concerns create a more accountable government, designing policies that reflect the public’s best interests.
Diverse Perspectives: Individuals from various backgrounds—whether in business, education, or community organizing—can introduce fresh ideas and innovative solutions. This diversity leads to approaches that better reflect the needs of all community members, especially in areas facing significant challenges like the housing crisis and environmental issues.
Community Advocacy: Legislators with firsthand community experience, even without formal political backgrounds, often possess valuable insights into policy implications. Their advocacy based on real-life experiences can result in more effective legislation.
Collaboration and Trust: The effectiveness of a legislator lies in their ability to build trust within the community. Those committed to understanding and addressing constituents' needs foster productive relationships, leading to better outcomes for everyone.
Collaboration on Legislation: When legislators build relationships, they can work together across party lines on shared goals. Understanding each other's perspectives allows for bipartisan solutions to pressing issues like affordable housing, mental health, and education. This teamwork often results in more comprehensive legislation that better addresses constituent needs.
Knowledge Sharing: Each legislator brings unique experiences to the table. By fostering relationships, they can share insights and best practices, leading to informed policy decisions and better outcomes for the community.
Trust and Respect: Strong relationships promote trust among legislators. When trust exists, open discussions can thrive, leading to constructive dialogue around contentious issues. This environment reduces partisanship and encourages a more productive legislative atmosphere.
Advocating for Constituents: Relationships amplify constituents' voices. By working together, legislators can advocate more effectively for their communities, ensuring that concerns are included in the legislative agenda. Collaborative efforts often lead to comprehensive solutions benefiting a broader range of constituents.
Effective Problem-Solving: Complex challenges like the housing crisis and environmental issues require collective action. By building relationships, legislators can pool resources and expertise to tackle these challenges more effectively. A united approach can lead to impactful legislation that serves the community.
Moreover, his dedication to issues like healthcare reform, education, and environmental protection resonates with my own priorities. I appreciate how he was able to inspire others and mobilize communities to advocate for change. By modeling my approach after his example, I aim to create a positive impact in my community, championing the needs of my constituents and working towards comprehensive solutions to the challenges we face, such as affordable housing, mental health, and education.
Running for higher office could provide a platform to address critical issues on a larger scale, such as affordable housing, mental health, education, and environmental sustainability. I believe that effective leadership at the state or national level can drive significant change and help build a better future for our communities.
Additionally, I had a conversation with a teacher who described having to undergo "fight back" training in case of an active shooter situation. This stark reality underscores the pressing need to address mental health issues and gun control in our schools and communities. It’s heartbreaking that educators and students must navigate such fears instead of focusing on learning.
Furthermore, I’ve heard from numerous residents who are aligned with me on key issues, including homelessness, mental health, investing in education, and reducing the tax burden on small businesses. These conversations reaffirm the importance of advocacy and action in addressing the concerns of our community members.
Checks and Balances: Legislative oversight ensures that emergency powers are not abused or extended beyond their intended purpose. This system of checks and balances is fundamental to our democracy, preventing any one branch of government from overstepping its authority.
Transparency and Accountability: The legislature represents the voices of the constituents. By overseeing the use of emergency powers, lawmakers can ensure transparency in decision-making processes and hold those in power accountable for their actions. This oversight fosters trust between the government and the community.
Public Input: During emergencies, the legislature can provide a platform for public input and feedback. Engaging with constituents helps ensure that emergency measures address the specific needs and concerns of the community, rather than being imposed without consideration.
Clear Guidelines: The legislature can establish clear guidelines for the use of emergency powers, defining their scope, duration, and the circumstances under which they can be invoked. This clarity helps prevent confusion and ensures that emergency measures are appropriate and justified.
This bill would include several key components:
Incentives for Developers: I would advocate for tax incentives and grants for developers who commit to building affordable housing units. By making it financially feasible for developers to prioritize affordable projects, we can increase the supply of housing options for our residents.
Zoning Reforms: I would push for reforms in zoning laws to facilitate the development of mixed-income housing and reduce regulatory barriers that often hinder the construction of affordable units. These changes would allow for more flexibility in creating diverse housing options within our communities.
Support for Homelessness Prevention Programs: My bill would allocate funding for programs that prevent homelessness by providing financial assistance, counseling, and resources to individuals and families at risk of losing their homes. This proactive approach would help address the root causes of homelessness and ensure that families can remain in stable housing.
Collaboration with Local Governments: The legislation would encourage collaboration between the state and local governments to develop tailored solutions for each community's unique housing challenges. By working together, we can create a more effective and targeted approach to tackling housing issues.
Housing and Urban Development Committee: Given the pressing issues surrounding affordable housing and homelessness in our communities, this committee would allow me to advocate for policies that promote equitable housing solutions. I aim to ensure that every resident, from North Salt Lake to Bountiful, has access to safe and affordable housing.
Health and Human Services Committee: As mental health and healthcare access are crucial for our community’s overall well-being, I am passionate about working on initiatives that enhance mental health services and support systems. This committee would enable me to push for comprehensive healthcare policies that cater to the diverse needs of our residents.
Environmental Protection Committee: I believe that protecting our natural resources and ensuring clean air and water are fundamental responsibilities of government. This committee would allow me to advocate for sustainable environmental practices that benefit both our community and the planet.
Education Committee: Quality education is vital for empowering future generations. I would focus on policies that invest in our public schools, support teachers, and address disparities in educational opportunities.
Economic Development Committee: Supporting small businesses and fostering economic growth are essential for community prosperity. I am interested in policies that encourage innovation, job creation, and investment in our local economies.
In my view, accountability goes hand in hand with transparency. Elected officials must take responsibility for their actions and the outcomes of their policies. This means not only being open about financial matters but also being responsive to the concerns of the community, especially in areas like affordable housing, mental health, and homelessness. When issues arise, officials should be willing to admit mistakes, learn from them, and make necessary adjustments.
Moreover, I advocate for regular audits and performance evaluations of government programs to ensure that public resources are being used effectively and efficiently. Engaging community members in budget discussions and decision-making processes also promotes a sense of ownership and responsibility among constituents.
Simplifying Requirements: Streamlining the signature-gathering process can encourage more grassroots initiatives. Reducing the number of signatures required or extending the timeframe for collection would make it easier for diverse groups to bring their proposals forward.
Clear Guidelines and Transparency: Establishing clear guidelines for the submission and review of initiatives enhances transparency. This clarity helps proponents understand the process better and ensures that voters are well-informed about what is being proposed.
Enhanced Support for Education: Providing resources and support for those looking to initiate a ballot measure can empower communities. Educational programs that explain the process, offer guidance on drafting initiatives, and inform about potential challenges would encourage broader participation.
Protection Against Last-Minute Changes: Implementing measures to prevent last-minute legislative changes to initiatives after they have qualified for the ballot is crucial. Voters deserve to have their decisions honored without interference, ensuring the integrity of the process.
Inclusive Participation: Ensuring that the process is inclusive and accessible to all communities, especially underrepresented groups, is vital. Measures to facilitate participation and understanding among diverse populations can lead to a more representative initiative process.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 8, 2024
