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Shoshone leader Darren Parry announces run for Rep. Rob Bishop’s congressional seat

(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Darren Parry, chairperson of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nationa addresses a crowd at the "Stop the Polluting Port" event. He announced Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, that he was running for Congress.

Democrat and Shoshone Tribe leader Darren Parry announced Thursday he is running to represent Utah’s 1st Congressional District.

Parry, who lives in Logan and serves as the chairman for the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, said in a statement announcing his campaign that people seem “divided as ever," and either don’t care or only care for people like them. He wants to change that.

“Our country was founded on the principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all of its people ... even the marginalized,” he said. “It’s time for good people to stand up and make a difference in their communities and that’s why I am proud to announce my candidacy for Utah’s First Congressional District.”

The seat, currently held by Republican Rob Bishop, hasn’t hosted a Democrat since Rep. K. Gunn McKay’s tenure ended in 1981. It represents the northernmost portions of Utah.

Bishop has served in the position for nine terms and announced last month that he would be Utah gubernatorial candidate Thomas Wright’s running mate in 2020.

Republicans veteran Cory Green, Kaysville Mayor Katie Witt and Morgan County Councilwoman Tina Cannon have also announced their candidacy for the vacant seat. Democrat and political newcomer Jamie Cheek, of Ogden, is also running.

For a full list of candidates, visit elections.utah.gov.