Insights on Utah Policy & Public Affairs

Utah’s Leading Government Relations Firm Rebrands as Utah Capitol Partners

Foxley & Pignanelli adopts a new brand and a sharpened mission to advocate for organizations across Utah’s fastest-growing industries

Foxley & Pignanelli Is Now Utah Capitol Partners

Same partners, new name, great results. A letter from the partners on the firm’s new brand and what stays the same.

GOP losses in the Utah Legislature mean more power for Gov. Cox. Will he use it?

Frank Pignanelli, who led House Democrats from 1991 to 1996, is quoted in this look at how Republican losses in the Legislature could give Gov. Spencer Cox more power.

Lessons from the midterm elections in Utah

By Renae Cowley & Frank Pignanelli

With a dozen Republican legislators in tight races and the supermajority in question, Renae and Frank unpack the voter frustration behind the results, what Justice Pohlman’s retention vote signals, and why Amendment B went down.

The strangeness of the 2026 midterms

By Renae Cowley & Frank Pignanelli

Federal election monitors, a fight over Utah’s voter records, unusually personal attack ads and a record-setting campaign over Amendment B: a look at what makes this cycle so unusual.

Utah’s hottest midterm races to watch — what you need to know

By Renae Cowley & Frank Pignanelli

From the congressional districts to swing seats in the Legislature, a race-by-race guide to the Utah contests worth watching, and how unaffiliated voters and national sentiment could tip them.

The unpredictability of predicting politics

By Renae Cowley & Frank Pignanelli

History favors the party out of power, but polls have missed before. Renae and Frank weigh how much to trust the forecasts and which Utah legislative districts could actually change hands.

The politics of gambling — a risky bet

By Renae Cowley & Frank Pignanelli

Prediction markets are testing Utah’s constitutional ban on gambling. The column looks at how election betting could distort campaigns and where the next push for gambling in Utah may come from.

Is it a blue wave or a ripple?

By Renae Cowley & Frank Pignanelli

Voters are frustrated with both parties. Renae and Frank debate whether that adds up to a Democratic wave or something smaller, and whether disillusionment could open the door to new parties.