Posted by Josie for Senate

Thank you for taking the time to find out more information about my bid to serve as your Senator for District 8. The right to vote is such a great privilege and important duty. I commend you for taking this responsibility so seriously.

When I was child, as the daughter of a widowed mother with five kids to raise, I attended elementary school in Houston, Texas. I remember so clearly, two water fountains – one was marked “FOR WHITES ONLY”. The other was marked “COLORED”. It was my first day at school and I was thirsty. I was young – I could not read. So, I went and drank from the closest fountain.

All of a sudden, I was yanked back by one of the teachers. “Don’t ever drink from this fountain, young lady! All of you people have your own fountain to drink from.”

That incident set the stage for the rest of my life.

I am running for the Utah State Senate because I believe in justice and civil rights. I believe in equality. I believe in treating people with dignity and respect. I believe in hard work and the rewards that brings. I believe that we can all work together and make our communities, our cities, our state and our nation stronger.

I have been serving this community for over 30 years working as a leader in various organizations which provide service to our citizens (see the rest of my bio). As Assistant Director of the Small Business Administration, I wanted to make sure that EVERYONE (including young adults, entrepreneurs, single mothers and veterans) had access to opportunity and success with well-paying jobs within Utah’s economy.

Now, I want to serve you as your Senator. I have the professional and educational qualifications to serve. I have proven myself worthy of your trust. Please review the information provided about me throughout the website and feel free to call me with any questions or issues you wish to discuss. My priority as Senator will be to represent your values so please feel free to contact me. I look forward to serving you.

With deep gratitude,

Josie

Posted by Josie for Senate

“Josie Valdez has shown the integrity and commitment that the Democratic Party needs. I have known Josie since she worked at the Small Business Administration. She has always been straight-forward in her dealings and one of the most energetic people I know. I am proud to support her.”
Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon

“I have known Josie for many years and have found her level of professionalism and integrity to be unquestionable. Josie is a wonderful person and a great Public servant. Her dedication to community, her commitment to creating change for good, and her service to the Democratic Party has prepared her thoroughly to be the next Senator for District 8.”
Salt Lake County Sheriff Jim Winder

“Having worked with Josie on two campaigns, I believe her to be one of The most hard working, energetic and exciting Democratic candidates in the field. Like me, Josie believes in and has worked to achieve the Democratic Values which we hold dear – good jobs, Development of a strong economy and greater funding for public education. I have no doubt that Josie will represent the citizens of District 8 with great Integrity.”
Salt Lake District Attorney, Sim Gill

“Josie Valdez will bring high professional integrity and great energy needed by Democrats in the campaign for the Utah Senate and in the Legislature. I hope you’ll join me in supporting Josie for the Utah Senate.”
Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker

“We are fortunate to have such a well qualified woman running as a candidate for Senate District 8. Josie is a person of impeccable integrity and business acumen. I have known Josie for over 25 years. As Senator, she will use her experience as Assistant Director at the Small Business Administration and her dedication to the community to serve the citizens of Distirct 8.”
Maj. General Peter Cooke (ret.), Candidate for Governor of Utah