First Vietnamese American legislator makes history in Utah

Hoang Nguyen has made history as Utah’s first Vietnamese American state legislator, securing a decisive 71% of the vote to represent District 23 in the state’s House of Representatives. 

A first-time candidate, Nguyen’s unexpected rise to public office has been anything but conventional. Born in Vietnam, she and her family fled to the United States seeking asylum after the Vietnam War. 

Now, as the first Vietnamese American and refugee to serve in Utah’s legislature, her victory reflects not only her resilience but also her community’s desire for greater representation and change. 

Nguyen’s journey to public office is rooted in her commitment to equity and her deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities. A small business owner, she began her advocacy cby lobbying the legislature for policies that would reduce barriers and promote equity for small businesses. This experience not only introduced her to the political realm but also shaped her approach to policymaking- focused on bridging divides and fighting for meaningful change. 

As a Democrat in a predominantly Republican state, Nguyen is prepared for the challenges that come with passing meaningful legislation. She has already proven her ability to navigate complex systems and fight for equity through her grassroots advocacy and community involvement. 

Her platform, which prioritized public education reform, environmental preservation and economic equity, built off her deep understanding of her community and resonated with her constituents. Nguyen’s passion for expanding equity was a cornerstone of her campaign, resonating with voters who saw her as a voice for positive change. 

The Daily Utah Chronicle reports that her victory also arrives at a critical time when legislative rollbacks on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in education initiatives threaten progress in representation. In an op-ed for The Salt Lake Tribune, Nguyen expresses how she draws from her own experience as a DEI scholarship beneficiary and stands as a firm supporter of expanding equity in education. Nguyen has emerged as a staunch advocate for equitable access to education and resources. 

Reflecting on her historic win with the Daily Utah Chronicle, Nguyen shares what motivated her to join the fight and run for office.

“The reason I ran was because people who come from my background rarely ever have a seat at the table,” she reflects. “I’ve been lucky enough to have [one].”

Nguyen sees this as an opportunity for those who have been historically excluded from decision-making. Her rise to office not only marks a milestone for Utah’s Asian American community but also symbolizes a growing shift toward increased diversity in state politics.