Senator Emily Buss

Emily Buss is a member of the Forward Party and currently serves in the Utah State Senate, representing District 11. She assumed office on December 17, 2025, and her current term will conclude on January 1, 2029.

Buss was appointed to the seat by Governor Spencer Cox on December 12, 2025, following the resignation of her predecessor, Daniel W. Thatcher, who had previously joined the Forward Party before stepping down.

Born and raised in Eagle Mountain, Utah, Buss pursued her education at Brigham Young University–Idaho, where she developed a strong foundation in social services and nonprofit leadership. Her professional career has been centered on community service, working as a social service worker and nonprofit leader. These roles allowed her to engage directly with families and individuals in need, shaping her perspective on public policy and reinforcing her commitment to grassroots advocacy. Buss’s background in nonprofit work has been a defining aspect of her political identity, emphasizing compassion, accountability, and practical solutions to community challenges.

Her political journey began with her candidacy for the Eagle Mountain City Council in 2025, where she finished fourth in the race, earning over 23 percent of the vote. Although she did not win, the campaign provided her with valuable experience and visibility, positioning her as a rising figure in local politics. Later that year, she was selected by the Forward Party to succeed Thatcher in the Utah Senate through an innovative approval voting process. This election was historic, marking the first time in U.S. history that approval voting was used to elect a state legislator. Buss garnered 47 percent of the approvals in a five-way race, demonstrating broad support across her district.

As a legislator, Buss has focused on issues that align with her professional and personal values, including expanding access to social services, improving education, and promoting transparency in government. Her affiliation with the Forward Party reflects her centrist approach, seeking to bridge divides and prioritize pragmatic solutions over partisan conflict. She has emphasized the importance of community engagement and has worked to ensure that her constituents’ voices are heard in the policymaking process.

Buss’s biography reflects a trajectory of service, resilience, and innovation. From her early work in nonprofit leadership to her historic election through approval voting, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of Utah residents. As she continues her current term in the Utah State Senate, Buss is expected to bring fresh perspectives and a collaborative spirit to the chamber, representing District 11 with integrity and dedication.