Carlos MorenoServing

Carlos Moreno

CountyRepublican

UT-Salt Lake County District 2 County

Venezuelan·Salt Lake County Council, District 2 (2025-present)

Why This Race Matters

Moreno won 54.3% of the vote in November 2024, defeating Democrat Katie Olson to become one of the first two Latinos ever elected to the Salt Lake County Council alongside Democrat Ross Romero. He is also the first naturalized U.S. citizen elected to any office in Utah.

Moreno's story as a Venezuelan political asylee charged with treason gained renewed attention when he reacted publicly to Maduro's removal in January 2026, calling it a "miracle." Named Utah Business Distinguished Leader in 2023 for his work bringing in-state tuition to refugees and asylum seekers. Not up for re-election until 2028.

About

Carlos Alejandro Moreno is a Salt Lake County Councilmember for District 2, sworn in January 2025. Born and raised in Maracaibo, Venezuela, he is a former political asylee who was publicly charged with treason and conspiracy by the Venezuelan Parliament for his activism against human rights violations. He is the first naturalized U.S. citizen ever elected to any office in Utah.

Family & Heritage

Born and raised in Maracaibo, Venezuela. Came to Salt Lake City in December 2009 with wife Norbelys as an international student. Publicly charged with treason and conspiracy on national television by the President of the Venezuelan Parliament for his activism against human rights violations. Granted political asylum with help from then-Sen. Orrin Hatch and Rep. Chris Stewart. Became U.S. citizen in October 2022. Father of three sons: Carlos Isaias, Carlos Rodrigo, and Carlos Luciano.

Political Career

Before Politics

Founded Venezuelan Students Abroad to denounce human rights violations; small business owner (insurance brokerage) in West Jordan; community outreach representative for national energy management consulting company; spoke at Organization of American States, European Parliament, U.S. Senate and Congress; former two-term SLCC Student Body President; former Vice President of Utah Student Association

Education

Law degree from Rafael Urdaneta University with specialization in Venezuelan Labor Law; A.S. degrees in Political Science and Homeland Security from Salt Lake Community College

Awards & Recognition

Utah Business Distinguished Leader Award (2023 Living Color Gala); Salt Lake County Hero Award (2016); Son of Venezuela Award (2015); SLCC Board of Trustees Recognition

Key Issues & Priorities

*Community representation for immigrant families
*Small business support and economic opportunity
*Public safety
*In-state tuition for refugees and asylum seekers
*Anti-communist and anti-authoritarian governance
*Venezuelan diaspora advocacy

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