A rival Democrat, Jonathan Jemming, withdrew this week and promptly endorsed Iwamoto as the party's standard-bearer for snatching the east-side seat, which stretches from Emigration Canyon into Millcreek, Holladay, Cottonwood Heights and even northern Sandy.
"This race requires unity among the Democrats," Jemming said. "There is no real reason for there to be a battle between Democrats when District 4 is such an important seat."
Without question, District 4 is a high-stakes contest. Winning Crockett's seat could mean Democratic control of the Salt Lake County Council, where Republicans enjoy a 5-4 majority.
Iwamoto, a newcomer to politics, enters the race with a track record of community advocacy.
She fought for the restoration of Japantown in Salt Lake City, pushed for smoke detectors and asbestos abatement in schools and promoted child safety as an instructor for radKIDS, a nationwide program that seeks to empower children against harm.
Iwamoto will focus on the environment this election season, backing Democratic Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon's emphasis on tree plantings, green-building designs and open-space preservation.
"Mayor Corroon has provided great leadership," she said. "I'd like to support him in that effort."
Iwamoto also will speak of building political coalitions, encouraging cultural sensitivity and listening to constituents.
What Iwamoto won't talk about is her opponent, Crockett. He's a "daunting" adversary, she acknowledged.
"I'm not going to focus on him," Iwamoto said. "I just want to run on my own . . . and do the best I can."
jstettler@sltrib.com
Jani Iwamoto
* Party: Democrat
* Family: Husband, Steve Fukumitsu; two children, Nathan, 10, and Katie, 8.
* Education: Bachelor's degree in mass communication, University of Utah, law degree, the University of California at Davis.
* Civic and career experience: Utah Court of Appeals Judicial Nominating Commission, Central Utah Water Conservancy District, Salt Lake County Convention Facilities Advisory Board, founding member of the Japanese Community Preservation Committee, executive board member of the Asian Association of Utah.
