Ross RomeroServing

Ross Romero

CountyDemocrat

UT-Salt Lake County District 4 County

Age 54·Mexican-American·Salt Lake County Councilmember District 4 (2025-present)

Why This Race Matters

Romero is not up for re-election until 2028 (4-year county council terms). He and Carlos Moreno made history as the first-ever Latinos on the Salt Lake County Council when sworn in January 2025. His return to office after a 12-year hiatus signals growing Latino political power in Utah, where Hispanics are 15% of the population but have been historically underrepresented.

Won 2024 general election with 65.1% over Republican Roger Livingston (31.5%) and Utah Forward candidate Nolan Kruse (3.4%). Replaced outgoing Democratic councilmember Ann Granato. Previously served in Utah legislature 2004-2012, retiring as Senate Democratic Leader. Ran unsuccessfully for Salt Lake County Mayor (2012) and State Senate (2014, lost to Jani Iwamoto at convention). Endorsed by Latino Victory Fund. Not up for re-election until 2028.

About

Ross Romero is a Salt Lake County Councilmember for District 4, sworn in January 2025 after winning with 65.1% of the vote. Born in Pueblo, Colorado to a family of Mexican and European descent, he grew up in West Valley City, Utah. A former Utah State Senator and Senate Democratic Leader (2005-2012), he returned to public service after a career in law, banking, and DEI consulting. He and Carlos Moreno made history as the first two Latinos elected to the Salt Lake County Council.

Family & Heritage

Born in Pueblo, Colorado; moved to Utah with parents at age two. Of Mexican and European descent. Mother Anita Bruce was a beloved elementary school teacher at Indian Hills for 33 years in Council District 4. Grew up in West Valley City, graduated from Highland High School in 1989 where he started a Young Democrats club. Met wife Cecilia at University of Michigan; married 27+ years with a son and a daughter. Was slapped across the face in fifth grade for speaking Spanish at school.

Political Career

Before Politics

Partner and litigator at Jones, Waldo, Holbrook & McDonough (1996-2007); Vice President at Zions Bank Government Relations/Community Development Group (~10 years); Founder and CEO of Inclusion Strategies (DEI consulting, 2020-present); Senior Advisor at Michael Best Strategies; Clients include Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake Chamber

Education

B.S. from University of Utah (1993); J.D. from University of Michigan Law School (1996)

Key Issues & Priorities

*Diversity, equity, and inclusion
*Economic development and workforce
*Protecting county social services (childcare, senior centers)
*Transparency in government decision-making
*Arts and culture
*Community investment
*Immigration policy