UT-01 Democratic nominee?
$61.9K
JUN 30, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleProfessional ski mountaineer
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
Age40 years old (Dec 31, 1985)
GenderFemale
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LocationUtah
BackgroundProfessional ski mountaineer
EducationUniversity of Utah (B.S.)
Notable personal detailsCaroline Louise Gleich is an American environmental activist and professional ski mountaineer based in Park City, Utah. She was the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Utah in 2024 and previously testified before Congress in support of public-lands and climate legislation. She is married to Robert J. Lea and has been active in Utah civic life, including winning a seat on the Summit County Service Area #3 Lower Board of Trustees in 2025.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports targeted tax increases on very high earners and corporations (allowing Trump-era corporate tax cuts to expire and closing loopholes), and favors tax credits and incentives for first-time homebuyers, homeowners building accessory dwelling units, farmers adopting conservation practices, and elder/childcare support. Also supports raising the federal minimum wage and expanding family-focused federal spending while reviewing the budget for wasteful spending.
Healthcare
Supports expanding government health programs and building on the Affordable Care Act, including expanding Medicare and Medicaid coverage, capping prescription drug prices, and pursuing comprehensive reforms to increase affordable access to care; endorses government-run approaches to guarantee healthcare access. Positions emphasize strengthening the safety net, protecting reproductive and fertility care, and reducing out-of-pocket costs that lead to medical financial hardship.
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Immigration & Border
Supports increased border security measures (including more Border Patrol agents and surveillance funding) while emphasizing empathy toward migrants and recognizing undocumented immigrants as hardworking members of communities. Expresses support for bipartisan legislation that pairs enhanced enforcement with expanded legal pathways and humane treatment of asylum seekers.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate supports broad reproductive freedom and opposes near‑total abortion bans and government restrictions on reproductive decisions, including efforts that would limit IVF. She frames abortion as health care and calls for preserving access to abortion, contraception, and comprehensive sex education.
Climate & Energy
Supports accelerated transition to clean, renewable energy, ending federal fossil fuel subsidies, investing in clean energy infrastructure (including electric vehicle infrastructure), and setting binding emissions reduction goals while promoting energy efficiency and conservation.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports universal background checks, red-flag laws, a ban on assault-style weapons, and safe-storage requirements as part of a ‘‘common sense gun reform’’ platform. Advocates measures to reduce gun violence while implementing restrictions on certain firearms and storage practices.
News
Caroline Gleich is in the news because Utah’s redrawn 1st Congressional District has become a more Democratic seat, setting up a competitive primary and a closely watched 2026 House race. Recent coverage says primary elections have already been held in Utah, but it does not yet identify the certified winner of the district race. The campaign is also drawing outside spending, including AI-linked political groups trying to influence congressional races in Utah and elsewhere.
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Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20262024
2026
LatestCycle 2024
Cycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements