Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Businessman Mike Weinholtz Announces Bid To Run For Governor

Brian Grimmett
Mike Weinholtz, Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate

Mike Weinholtz, a former CEO of Utah based CHG Healthcare Services, has announced that he’ll be running for Governor as a Democratic candidate this year. 

Mike Weinholtz says his time at the head of CHG Healthcare Services ingrained in him the value of putting people first, and he says that’s what he hopes to do if elected governor of the state of Utah. Weinholtz has never held political office before, but he says he sees that as an advantage.

“You can trust that I’ll never make decisions for political purposes because I’m not a politician and I only care about doing what is best for the people of Utah,” he says.

Utah Democratic Party Chairman Peter Corroon knows what it’s like to be in Weinholtz shoes. He ran against, and lost to Governor Gary Herbert in 2010. He says while Weinholtz lack of political experience can be a good thing, it also means he won’t have the name recognition that can often help a Democratic candidate.

“Name recognition is important, but if we get someone who gets in the race early enough they can build that name recognition,” Corroon says.

But Weinholtz says he’s up for the challenge. He believes his outsider perspective will sway independents and Republicans to give him their votes.

“More than anything, I’m a pragmatist," Weinholtz says. "I think, whether you’re a conservative, liberal, independent, people want problems solved. And if I can that I’m a pragmatist and a problem solver that’s where I think I’ll reach people.”

Wienholtz says the main focus of his campaign will be on education, clean air, and health care. 

KUER is listener-supported public radio. Support this work by making a donation today.