State Sen. Daniel Thatcher is leaving the GOP for a third party, saying legislative Republicans have strayed too far from conservative beliefs.
<p>SALT LAKE CITY — State Sen. Daniel Thatcher is leaving the Republican Party for a third party, saying legislative Republicans have strayed from traditional conservative beliefs such as limited government and standing for the Constitution.
</p><p>Thatcher, of West Valley City, announced he would join the Utah Forward Party on Friday, during the final day of the 2025 general legislative session. The announcement was not surprising to many who have followed the Legislature, given that Thatcher has long been a contrarian within the Senate GOP caucus.</p><p>Thatcher explained his decision to KSL.com Monday, saying he has been considering breaking with the GOP for a long time, but his frustration boiled over during the recent 45-day session. He described the process as like "going through a divorce" and said lawmakers have been increasingly disconnected from the voters and traditional conservative ideals.</p><p>"It's been escalating," Thatcher said. "Over the last five years, it has accelerated and it's gotten probably 10 times worse. But this year — this year is like a Florida man's in charge and wants you to hold his beer," he added, referring to an expression of mocking people for making what are seen to be bad decisions.</p><p>"I just don't even know how to describe ho
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