Sahara Hayes is a Democratic member of the Utah House of Representatives, representing District 32 in Salt Lake County, which includes parts of Millcreek, Salt Lake City, and South Salt Lake. Elected in November 2022, she assumed office on January 1, 2023, and serves as House Minority Assistant Whip. A lifelong Utah resident born and raised in Salt Lake City, she has lived in District 32 for over 20 years and works as a grant specialist for West Valley City’s Division of Arts and Culture, advocating for accessible arts programming. She previously served on the Millcreek Community Council and the board of the Utah Cultural Celebration Center Foundation, where she chairs the Events Subcommittee. Hayes focuses on LGBTQ+ rights, student mental health, firearm safety, public education, and environmental protection; notable achievements include passing bills on youth suicide prevention, streamlining name and gender marker updates, collecting firearm data, and protecting student athletes. She resides in Millcreek with her partner Lily and pets, and enjoys reading, hiking, knitting, and aerial arts.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Earned a Bachelor of Arts from Westminster College and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Utah.
• Political Experience:
  • Elected to Utah House District 32 in 2022; began service January 2023.
  • House Minority Assistant Whip for Democratic Caucus.
  • Serves on Standing Committees: Education, Government Operations.
  • Serves on Appropriations Subcommittees: Executive Appropriations, Higher Education.
  • Prior community roles: Millcreek Community Council member; Utah Cultural Celebration Center Foundation board member .