Becky Edwards

Let’s debate!

As a Utahn, a former candidate, and elected official, I can am a big believer in the important role civil dialogue plays in educating voters and elevating political engagement.

And as the Co-Chair of the Utah Debate Commission I am thrilled to highlight the 2024 primary debates we are hosting for statewide and federal races. Link in bio to the debates this year: YouTube.com//streams

These debates are being broadcast and streamed live by our media partners across the state including AND on our YouTube channel @ YouTube.com//streams

Miss Martha is going to Washington! After much anticipation the Martha Hughes Cannon statue is headed to Statuary Hall to represent Utah in our nations Capital.

Come celebrate this remarkable woman at an outdoor festival today, June 5, at the Utah State Capitol, 5:00-8:00 pm. Bring your family for live music, activities, food, and some good old fashioned inspiration as we join in the official send off!

Martha Hughes Cannon represents the spirit of Utah women, then and now: firm, committed, compassionate, visionary, and productive. She was the first woman elected as a state Senator, was a practicing physician, a mother, an advocate, and a fierce suffragist. She fought for public health and women’s rights. Always Mattie to those who knew her best, she becomes one of only a few women represented in the U.S. Capitol.

In my last legislative session in 2018 I worked with Sen. Todd Weiler and then Sen. Deidre Henderson to pass the bill initiated by former Rep. Adam Gardiner that set this whole thing into action. Our not-so-secret magic was the involvement of the amazing Girl Scout Troop 914, and especially 4th grader Maya Mercer, a group whose effectiveness would make Sen. Cannon herself so proud. I’ve been a fan girl ever since.

I’m grateful for the Utah sculptor, Ben Hammond, who so beautifully captured the essence of this exemplary Utahn. And to so many Utahns, including the extremely talented team at BetterDays 2020, thank you for bringing her story to life.

I can’t wait for the world to meet her!

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I was honored to receive the Martha Hughes Cannon Lifetime Achievement Award from Utah Women Run and UofU’s Hinckley Institute yesterday, along with Senator Luz Escamilla, Outstanding Impact in the Democrat Party, and Mayor Dawn Ramsey, Outstanding Impact in State and Local Government. Also recognized were Allyson Bell, Outstanding Impact in the Republican Party, and Nubia Pena, Exceptional Work in Policy and Advocacy (not able to attend in person).

Today marks the anniversary of the day Martha Hughes Cannon took office/was elected as the first state senator in the country. A doctor, mother, public health advocate, champion of women, and suffragist, Martha’s legacy in our state runs deep so it is an honor to receive this recognition in her name.

I’m grateful for the many people in my life who have helped empower my voice, from my parents and sisters who created an environment where expectations included making a positive impact on the world around you, to my husband, children, and now grandchildren who support and inspire in innumerable ways.

So many women in my life have
* befriended, mentored, and collaborated with me as advocates in our communities
* helped create welcoming and meaningful spaces in our schools, churches, and neighborhoods
* worked alongside me as trusted and beloved legislative colleagues and partners
* aligned as team members and created a movement of people working for a political landscape that recognizes, celebrates, and elevates the important voices of women across our state

I am committed to keeping our collective good work moving ahead with each of us using the resources, skills, talents, vision, and commitment we have been blessed with.

Let’s go, !