MICHELLE QUIST

Broken Justice

By Taylor Hartman

Michelle Quist’s mission to reform Utah’s political landscape began with frustration but is driven by hope. As a full-time attorney, mother of five, and political outsider, Quist has spent years challenging a system she believes is designed to exclude and silence voices like hers.

In December 2023, Quist announced her candidacy for Utah Attorney General as a member of the United Utah Party, aiming to expose corruption, improve representation, and advocate for those feeling marginalized in Utah’s political process. 

“I’m invested in creating a better life for women in Utah and improving the state as a whole,” Quist said when asked about her decision to run.

Quist's campaign faced obstacles from the beginning. She was initially disqualified from advancing in the race due to a technicality over residency requirements. Despite this setback, she remained undeterred and continued her push for transparency and reform within the framework of Utah politics. 

Addressing Systemic Issues in Utah’s Political Landscape

Quist’s decision to run for Attorney General was rooted in her frustration with systemic corruption and the lack of gender representation in Utah’s male-dominated political structure. From the moment she stepped into the political arena, she was determined to challenge the status quo and push for meaningful reform.

“I first got involved in Utah politics because it was easy. You just had to show up. They needed bodies,” Quist said.

The ease of entry into politics wasn’t enough to keep her satisfied. Quist quickly realized that the caucus-convention system was fundamentally flawed. 

“The caucus-convention system made it easy to become a leader, but that system is dying — and appropriately so,” she said.

In response, she made the unconventional decision to run for Attorney General as an independent candidate. Her goal was to step outside of party politics and address the systemic issues plaguing the office.

“Trying something totally different, I ran as an independent because the system wasn’t working, but it didn’t work,” Quist said.

Her attempt at nonpartisan leadership was fraught with challenges. Quist says Utah’s political system is structured to maintain the status quo, making it difficult for outsiders to gain traction. Still, her determination to create a more transparent and accountable system has not wavered. The fight against corruption and political exclusion continues to drive her advocacy. And despite the challenges, she says she's not giving up.

Fighting for Legal Reform & Representation

Quist has been vocal about the need for a nonpartisan Attorney General’s office. She believes that the current system is riddled with corruption and fails to serve the public interest. According to her, repeated cycles of scandal and poor leadership have eroded the office’s credibility.

“We’ve had a history of scandal, from Shurtleff to Swallow to Reyes. It’s been a cycle of failed leadership,” Quist said. “Utah keeps choosing the same kind of candidate — white, male, and not a day-to-day lawyer.” 

Advocacy for Single Mothers, Community Engagement, and Future Vision

Quist’s advocacy is deeply personal. As a single mother, she understands the harmful messaging that often targets single-parent households. She believes the government’s focus on promoting only traditional family structures dismisses the reality of many families in Utah. She says that success is not exclusive to a particular family model. She believes the state must find ways to support all families rather than suggesting that only one model leads to success.

“As a single mom, I often feel the messaging around family structures is harmful. The constant narrative that two-parent households are ‘better’ is hurtful and dismissive of real circumstances,” Quist said. “There has to be a way for the government to support all families rather than suggesting that only one model leads to success."

Quist acknowledges the ongoing challenges but remains committed to fighting for a more inclusive and transparent government. Her vision for the future is clear: she wants Utah’s political and legal systems to prioritize fairness, representation, and accountability.

“The messaging that single moms have to get married to be successful is infuriating,” Quist said.

Quist’s efforts to bring about change are not limited to her legal work. She is focused on reshaping public perceptions and advocating for those whose voices are often ignored. Her commitment to improving the state of Utah remains steadfast, regardless of the obstacles she faces.