Bryan Schott
@schotthappens.com
Publisher/Managing Editor - Utah Political Watch
📝 I write about politics. Sometimes it goes well. | 🧠 Unsupervised adult with ADHD. | 🏈 In a toxic relationship with the Oklahoma Sooners.
DM for Signal.
linkin.bio/schotthappens
📝 I write about politics. Sometimes it goes well. | 🧠 Unsupervised adult with ADHD. | 🏈 In a toxic relationship with the Oklahoma Sooners.
DM for Signal.
linkin.bio/schotthappens
Pinned
Bryan Schott
@schotthappens.com
· Sep 13
"A gut punch."
Utah is still reeling after the murder of conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk. @schotthappens joins the #11thHour to discuss the reaction from communities on the ground.
Utah is still reeling after the murder of conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk. @schotthappens joins the #11thHour to discuss the reaction from communities on the ground.
Thanks to @11thhourmsnbc.bsky.social for having me on.
📊 Utah's Prop. 4 repeal drive says it has "many tens of thousands of signatures" waiting. That's a conveniently fuzzy number.
- Added 1,174 new signatures Monday
- Currently 54.9% of statewide goal
- Would qualify in 10 of required 26 Senate districts
Read more:
utahpolitics.news/prop-4-repea...
- Added 1,174 new signatures Monday
- Currently 54.9% of statewide goal
- Would qualify in 10 of required 26 Senate districts
Read more:
utahpolitics.news/prop-4-repea...
Utah Prop. 4 Repeal Update: Brutal Math Before Feb. 15 Deadline
The drive to put a repeal of Utah's anti-gerrymandering law is just 54.9% of the way towards the statewide signature total with 6 days to go before the deadline.
utahpolitics.news
February 9, 2026 at 11:12 PM
📊 Utah's Prop. 4 repeal drive says it has "many tens of thousands of signatures" waiting. That's a conveniently fuzzy number.
- Added 1,174 new signatures Monday
- Currently 54.9% of statewide goal
- Would qualify in 10 of required 26 Senate districts
Read more:
utahpolitics.news/prop-4-repea...
- Added 1,174 new signatures Monday
- Currently 54.9% of statewide goal
- Would qualify in 10 of required 26 Senate districts
Read more:
utahpolitics.news/prop-4-repea...
A Christian nationalist who argues that the separation of church and state is a myth is advising a Utah lawmaker on his bill to overhaul the state's K-12 civics education standards.
A House committee pushed pause on the legislation last week.
Read more:
utahpolitics.news/christian-na...
A House committee pushed pause on the legislation last week.
Read more:
utahpolitics.news/christian-na...
Utah Shelves K-12 Civics Overhaul Bill Linked to Christian Nationalist
Utah shelves HB312, a K–12 civics overhaul backed by Christian nationalist David Barton. The bill mandates repeated instruction on the nation's founding documents.
utahpolitics.news
February 9, 2026 at 9:51 PM
A Christian nationalist who argues that the separation of church and state is a myth is advising a Utah lawmaker on his bill to overhaul the state's K-12 civics education standards.
A House committee pushed pause on the legislation last week.
Read more:
utahpolitics.news/christian-na...
A House committee pushed pause on the legislation last week.
Read more:
utahpolitics.news/christian-na...
Utah taxpayers are covering ~$13K after payroll mix-up left 80 lawmakers underpaying health premiums. No clawback.
House and Senate leaders are mum on why taxpayers, not lawmakers, are covering the tab.
Read more:
utahpolitics.news/utah-taxpaye...
House and Senate leaders are mum on why taxpayers, not lawmakers, are covering the tab.
Read more:
utahpolitics.news/utah-taxpaye...
Utah Taxpayers Cover Lawmakers’ Health Premium Error
Utah Division of Finance says 80 lawmakers underpaid health insurance premiums after payroll mix-up; the state will absorb ~$13,000 and won't seek repayment.
utahpolitics.news
February 9, 2026 at 2:58 PM
Utah taxpayers are covering ~$13K after payroll mix-up left 80 lawmakers underpaying health premiums. No clawback.
House and Senate leaders are mum on why taxpayers, not lawmakers, are covering the tab.
Read more:
utahpolitics.news/utah-taxpaye...
House and Senate leaders are mum on why taxpayers, not lawmakers, are covering the tab.
Read more:
utahpolitics.news/utah-taxpaye...
My wife described the commercial with singing pubic hair as “vomitous.”
February 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM
My wife described the commercial with singing pubic hair as “vomitous.”
24 years ago today, the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics got underway.
Who is this young pup reporter at the arrival of President George W. Bush on Air Force One?
Who is this young pup reporter at the arrival of President George W. Bush on Air Force One?
February 8, 2026 at 11:49 PM
24 years ago today, the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics got underway.
Who is this young pup reporter at the arrival of President George W. Bush on Air Force One?
Who is this young pup reporter at the arrival of President George W. Bush on Air Force One?
[Watching the Puppy Bowl and a dog stops and sits before crossing the line]
Announcer: “Looks like Boba started celebrating too early.”
Me: “You shut the fuck up, Steve Levy! She’s a good dog and did what she’s supposed to!”
Announcer: “Looks like Boba started celebrating too early.”
Me: “You shut the fuck up, Steve Levy! She’s a good dog and did what she’s supposed to!”
February 8, 2026 at 8:32 PM
[Watching the Puppy Bowl and a dog stops and sits before crossing the line]
Announcer: “Looks like Boba started celebrating too early.”
Me: “You shut the fuck up, Steve Levy! She’s a good dog and did what she’s supposed to!”
Announcer: “Looks like Boba started celebrating too early.”
Me: “You shut the fuck up, Steve Levy! She’s a good dog and did what she’s supposed to!”
Oh my god, what in the cinnamon toast fuck even is this story?
They analyzed data from the Nazis on X?
This is embarrassing.
They analyzed data from the Nazis on X?
This is embarrassing.
February 7, 2026 at 5:06 AM
Oh my god, what in the cinnamon toast fuck even is this story?
They analyzed data from the Nazis on X?
This is embarrassing.
They analyzed data from the Nazis on X?
This is embarrassing.
📊 Friday was a good day for the Prop. 4 repeal campaign
👍 Added 3,400+ new signatures, close to best day ever
👍 Qualified in a third Senate district
But...
👎 Lost signatures in one Senate district
👎 Only at 54% of statewide requirement
Full breakdown:
utahpolitics.news/prop-4-quali...
👍 Added 3,400+ new signatures, close to best day ever
👍 Qualified in a third Senate district
But...
👎 Lost signatures in one Senate district
👎 Only at 54% of statewide requirement
Full breakdown:
utahpolitics.news/prop-4-quali...
Utah Prop 4 Repeal Faces Tight Deadline and Long Odds
Utah’s Prop 4 repeal campaign has 76,079 signatures and 3 qualifying Senate districts, but needs 7,186 per day and 26 districts by Feb. 15 to make the ballot.
utahpolitics.news
February 6, 2026 at 9:10 PM
📊 Friday was a good day for the Prop. 4 repeal campaign
👍 Added 3,400+ new signatures, close to best day ever
👍 Qualified in a third Senate district
But...
👎 Lost signatures in one Senate district
👎 Only at 54% of statewide requirement
Full breakdown:
utahpolitics.news/prop-4-quali...
👍 Added 3,400+ new signatures, close to best day ever
👍 Qualified in a third Senate district
But...
👎 Lost signatures in one Senate district
👎 Only at 54% of statewide requirement
Full breakdown:
utahpolitics.news/prop-4-quali...
Utah lawmakers weigh breaking up the current 45-day legislative session into three 15-day sessions.
🗓️ A "budget session" in February
🗓️ Two "policy sessions" in May and September
Needs 2/3 vote in both houses to go on the 2026 ballot.
Full story:
utahpolitics.news/utah-lawmake...
🗓️ A "budget session" in February
🗓️ Two "policy sessions" in May and September
Needs 2/3 vote in both houses to go on the 2026 ballot.
Full story:
utahpolitics.news/utah-lawmake...
Utah HJR22 splits 45-day session into three 15-day sessions
Utah’s HJR22 would amend the Constitution to replace the 45‑day session with a February budget session and May/September policy sessions; needs a two‑thirds vote before the 2026 ballot.
utahpolitics.news
February 6, 2026 at 7:58 PM
Utah lawmakers weigh breaking up the current 45-day legislative session into three 15-day sessions.
🗓️ A "budget session" in February
🗓️ Two "policy sessions" in May and September
Needs 2/3 vote in both houses to go on the 2026 ballot.
Full story:
utahpolitics.news/utah-lawmake...
🗓️ A "budget session" in February
🗓️ Two "policy sessions" in May and September
Needs 2/3 vote in both houses to go on the 2026 ballot.
Full story:
utahpolitics.news/utah-lawmake...
The Utah Senate shot down a pair of bills on Thursday that had roots in far-right conspiracy theories.
A bill targeting "chemtrails" died in a Senate committee. Another bill targeting the "Great Reset" failed in a floor vote.
Full story at the 🔗
utahpolitics.news/utah-senate-...
A bill targeting "chemtrails" died in a Senate committee. Another bill targeting the "Great Reset" failed in a floor vote.
Full story at the 🔗
utahpolitics.news/utah-senate-...
Utah Senate rejects bills inspired by far-right conspiracies
Utah Senate kills SB23 and HB85: a chemtrails/solar geoengineering felony dies in committee; “Great Reset” emergency ban targeting UN/WHO/WEF fails 12–17.
utahpolitics.news
February 6, 2026 at 3:03 PM
The Utah Senate shot down a pair of bills on Thursday that had roots in far-right conspiracy theories.
A bill targeting "chemtrails" died in a Senate committee. Another bill targeting the "Great Reset" failed in a floor vote.
Full story at the 🔗
utahpolitics.news/utah-senate-...
A bill targeting "chemtrails" died in a Senate committee. Another bill targeting the "Great Reset" failed in a floor vote.
Full story at the 🔗
utahpolitics.news/utah-senate-...
Utah's Prop. 4 repeal is at 51.6% with 10 days left.
Organizers need 6,800 signatures a day. They're on track to fall 16 Senate districts short.
Why a last-minute "signature dump" won't save them.
utahpolitics.news/why-prop-4-r...
Organizers need 6,800 signatures a day. They're on track to fall 16 Senate districts short.
Why a last-minute "signature dump" won't save them.
utahpolitics.news/why-prop-4-r...
Prop. 4 repeal in Utah: 6,800 signatures a day before Feb. 15
Verified signatures are ticking up, but Utahns for Representative Government must clear 26 of 29 districts by Feb. 15.
utahpolitics.news
February 5, 2026 at 11:06 PM
Utah's Prop. 4 repeal is at 51.6% with 10 days left.
Organizers need 6,800 signatures a day. They're on track to fall 16 Senate districts short.
Why a last-minute "signature dump" won't save them.
utahpolitics.news/why-prop-4-r...
Organizers need 6,800 signatures a day. They're on track to fall 16 Senate districts short.
Why a last-minute "signature dump" won't save them.
utahpolitics.news/why-prop-4-r...
The Davis County GOP is mad that candidates are collecting signatures to appear on the ballot, but even Rep. Trevor Lee is doing it.
Rep. Ray Ward is skipping the convention path altogether.
Full story:
utahpolitics.news/davis-county...
Rep. Ray Ward is skipping the convention path altogether.
Full story:
utahpolitics.news/davis-county...
Davis County GOP vs. SB54: Signature Fight in 2026
Davis County GOP blasts signature gathering, but Utah’s SB54 and QPP rules say otherwise. See which 2026 candidates are convention-only vs. collecting.
utahpolitics.news
February 5, 2026 at 3:13 PM
The Davis County GOP is mad that candidates are collecting signatures to appear on the ballot, but even Rep. Trevor Lee is doing it.
Rep. Ray Ward is skipping the convention path altogether.
Full story:
utahpolitics.news/davis-county...
Rep. Ray Ward is skipping the convention path altogether.
Full story:
utahpolitics.news/davis-county...
The economy is doing great, y'all.
February 5, 2026 at 2:23 PM
The economy is doing great, y'all.
My friends at @the-downballot take note of my work documenting the struggles of the Prop. 4 repeal effort.
If you're not reading their stuff, you're missing out.
If you're not reading their stuff, you're missing out.
The Utah GOP's effort to qualify a ballot initiative to repeal a *previous* ballot initiative banning gerrymandering is going very poorly—and it's possible @schotthappens.com has been having some fun chronicling the debacle. The latest:
After 78 days, Utah Prop. 4 repeal campaign finally reaches halfway
After 78 days of collecting signatures, the campaign to repeal Utah’s anti-gerrymandering law, Proposition 4, finally limped to the halfway mark—just 11 days before the deadline.
Also on Wednesday, B...
utahpolitics.news
February 5, 2026 at 2:17 PM
My friends at @the-downballot take note of my work documenting the struggles of the Prop. 4 repeal effort.
If you're not reading their stuff, you're missing out.
If you're not reading their stuff, you're missing out.
It took 78 days for the campaign to repeal Utah's Prop. 4 to get to the halfway point.
There's just 11 days left to get the other half.
Meanwhile, the group that initially backed Prop. 4 launched an effort to help people remove their signatures.
Story 👇
utahpolitics.news/after-78-day...
There's just 11 days left to get the other half.
Meanwhile, the group that initially backed Prop. 4 launched an effort to help people remove their signatures.
Story 👇
utahpolitics.news/after-78-day...
After 78 days, Utah Prop. 4 repeal campaign finally reaches halfway
After 78 days of collecting signatures, the campaign to repeal Utah’s anti-gerrymandering law, Proposition 4, finally limped to the halfway mark—just 11 days before the deadline.
Also on Wednesday, B...
utahpolitics.news
February 4, 2026 at 8:48 PM
It took 78 days for the campaign to repeal Utah's Prop. 4 to get to the halfway point.
There's just 11 days left to get the other half.
Meanwhile, the group that initially backed Prop. 4 launched an effort to help people remove their signatures.
Story 👇
utahpolitics.news/after-78-day...
There's just 11 days left to get the other half.
Meanwhile, the group that initially backed Prop. 4 launched an effort to help people remove their signatures.
Story 👇
utahpolitics.news/after-78-day...
🚨 The U.S. Supreme Court will not take up a challenge to California's new congressional map. That means the map will stand.
Remember, SCOTUS has said partisan gerrymandering is okay, and the only cases they would take in the future would be over illegal racial gerrymandering.
Remember, SCOTUS has said partisan gerrymandering is okay, and the only cases they would take in the future would be over illegal racial gerrymandering.
February 4, 2026 at 7:41 PM
🚨 The U.S. Supreme Court will not take up a challenge to California's new congressional map. That means the map will stand.
Remember, SCOTUS has said partisan gerrymandering is okay, and the only cases they would take in the future would be over illegal racial gerrymandering.
Remember, SCOTUS has said partisan gerrymandering is okay, and the only cases they would take in the future would be over illegal racial gerrymandering.
Vote-by-mail without the mail.
A new bill guts Utah's universal vote-by-mail system. Ballots would still arrive in the mail, but most voters would be forced to return them in person and show ID.
The legislation also tightens ID requirements.
Story:
utahpolitics.news/vote-by-mail...
A new bill guts Utah's universal vote-by-mail system. Ballots would still arrive in the mail, but most voters would be forced to return them in person and show ID.
The legislation also tightens ID requirements.
Story:
utahpolitics.news/vote-by-mail...
Utah HB479 Would Mail You a Ballot, Ban Mailing It Back
Utah's Legislature revives plan to gut the state's vote-by-mail system: ballots still sent, but most ballots returned in person with ID.
utahpolitics.news
February 4, 2026 at 6:52 PM
Vote-by-mail without the mail.
A new bill guts Utah's universal vote-by-mail system. Ballots would still arrive in the mail, but most voters would be forced to return them in person and show ID.
The legislation also tightens ID requirements.
Story:
utahpolitics.news/vote-by-mail...
A new bill guts Utah's universal vote-by-mail system. Ballots would still arrive in the mail, but most voters would be forced to return them in person and show ID.
The legislation also tightens ID requirements.
Story:
utahpolitics.news/vote-by-mail...
Apply for aid, get flagged to ICE.
A newly introduced bill in Utah's Legislature would turn benefit offices into ICE tip lines.
The legislation also tightens requirements for Medicaid and SNAP benefits.
Full story at the link:
utahpolitics.news/new-utahbill...
A newly introduced bill in Utah's Legislature would turn benefit offices into ICE tip lines.
The legislation also tightens requirements for Medicaid and SNAP benefits.
Full story at the link:
utahpolitics.news/new-utahbill...
Utah Bill Would Turn Benefit Offices into ICE Tip Lines
HB471 in the Utah Legislature makes Medicaid and SNAP harder to get—mandating ICE notification for noncitizens, stricter mixed‑status rules, and more frequent reviews.
utahpolitics.news
February 4, 2026 at 3:12 PM
Apply for aid, get flagged to ICE.
A newly introduced bill in Utah's Legislature would turn benefit offices into ICE tip lines.
The legislation also tightens requirements for Medicaid and SNAP benefits.
Full story at the link:
utahpolitics.news/new-utahbill...
A newly introduced bill in Utah's Legislature would turn benefit offices into ICE tip lines.
The legislation also tightens requirements for Medicaid and SNAP benefits.
Full story at the link:
utahpolitics.news/new-utahbill...
Prop. 4 repeal update: Big statewide gap, bigger district problem.
With just a dozen days until the deadline, the campaign is still under 50% of the statewide goal.
Additionally, they're still well behind in most of the 26 required Senate districts.
utahpolitics.news/utah-prop-4-...
With just a dozen days until the deadline, the campaign is still under 50% of the statewide goal.
Additionally, they're still well behind in most of the 26 required Senate districts.
utahpolitics.news/utah-prop-4-...
Utah Prop. 4 repeal still trails badly before Feb. 15 deadline
Utah ballot initiative to repeal Prop 4 is lagging: 72,854 signatures short statewide and well behind in most of the 26 required Senate districts.
utahpolitics.news
February 3, 2026 at 10:49 PM
Prop. 4 repeal update: Big statewide gap, bigger district problem.
With just a dozen days until the deadline, the campaign is still under 50% of the statewide goal.
Additionally, they're still well behind in most of the 26 required Senate districts.
utahpolitics.news/utah-prop-4-...
With just a dozen days until the deadline, the campaign is still under 50% of the statewide goal.
Additionally, they're still well behind in most of the 26 required Senate districts.
utahpolitics.news/utah-prop-4-...
Utah's HB435 would scrub "West Bank" from state docs and swap in the biblical terms "Judea" and "Samaria." The bill is based on model legislation from ALEC.
Critics say it's erasing Palestinian identity. Proponents say it recognizes Israel's "rightful claim."
utahpolitics.news/utah-bill-wo...
Critics say it's erasing Palestinian identity. Proponents say it recognizes Israel's "rightful claim."
utahpolitics.news/utah-bill-wo...
Utah bill would ban "West Bank" in state documents
Utah’s HB435 would bar “West Bank” from state materials and replace it with “Judea and Samaria.” Modeled on ALEC policy, critics call it an erasure of Palestinians.
utahpolitics.news
February 3, 2026 at 2:50 PM
Utah's HB435 would scrub "West Bank" from state docs and swap in the biblical terms "Judea" and "Samaria." The bill is based on model legislation from ALEC.
Critics say it's erasing Palestinian identity. Proponents say it recognizes Israel's "rightful claim."
utahpolitics.news/utah-bill-wo...
Critics say it's erasing Palestinian identity. Proponents say it recognizes Israel's "rightful claim."
utahpolitics.news/utah-bill-wo...
Reps. Celeste Maloy and Burgess Owens filed a federal lawsuit to block Utah from using the new congressional map implemented by a judge last November.
They're asking the court to have the Legislature draw a new map, or return to the map lawmakers drew in 2021.
utahpolitics.news/maloy-and-ow...
They're asking the court to have the Legislature draw a new map, or return to the map lawmakers drew in 2021.
utahpolitics.news/maloy-and-ow...
Utah Reps. Maloy and Owens sue to block new congressional map
The congressional Republicans, along with other GOP elected officials, want the court to stop Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson from using the map implemented by Judge Dianna Gibson in November
utahpolitics.news
February 3, 2026 at 2:55 AM
Reps. Celeste Maloy and Burgess Owens filed a federal lawsuit to block Utah from using the new congressional map implemented by a judge last November.
They're asking the court to have the Legislature draw a new map, or return to the map lawmakers drew in 2021.
utahpolitics.news/maloy-and-ow...
They're asking the court to have the Legislature draw a new map, or return to the map lawmakers drew in 2021.
utahpolitics.news/maloy-and-ow...
Utah's Prop. 4 repeal had its worst day yet on Monday: just 576 new signatures added to the total.
They need 74,771 more in just 13 days.
The district math is even harsher.
Full breakdown at the link:
utahpolitics.news/utahs-prop-4...
They need 74,771 more in just 13 days.
The district math is even harsher.
Full breakdown at the link:
utahpolitics.news/utahs-prop-4...
Utah Prop 4 Repeal Stalls: 74,771 Signatures, 13 Days
Thirteen days to go, 74,771 signatures to get, and Monday delivered just 576 - putting the district quote even further out of reach.
utahpolitics.news
February 2, 2026 at 9:42 PM
Utah's Prop. 4 repeal had its worst day yet on Monday: just 576 new signatures added to the total.
They need 74,771 more in just 13 days.
The district math is even harsher.
Full breakdown at the link:
utahpolitics.news/utahs-prop-4...
They need 74,771 more in just 13 days.
The district math is even harsher.
Full breakdown at the link:
utahpolitics.news/utahs-prop-4...
The WSJ is reporting that there is a whistleblower complaint against Tulsi Gabbard that is so sensitive that is it locked in a safe and the administration can’t figure out how to inform Congress.
February 2, 2026 at 4:16 PM
The WSJ is reporting that there is a whistleblower complaint against Tulsi Gabbard that is so sensitive that is it locked in a safe and the administration can’t figure out how to inform Congress.
Rep. Trevor Lee's bill eliminating the requirement that parents watch a 15-30 minute educational module before they can receive a waiver to opt their kids out of public school vaccine mandates died on a 6-6 tie vote in a House committee Friday.
A bill to loosen Utah's public school vaccination requirements died in a House committee Friday after a tie vote.
Rep. Trevor Lee's HB152 sought to scrap the mandate that parents watch a 15-30 minute education module before receiving a vaccine waiver.
utahpolitics.news/utah-bill-ea...
Rep. Trevor Lee's HB152 sought to scrap the mandate that parents watch a 15-30 minute education module before receiving a vaccine waiver.
utahpolitics.news/utah-bill-ea...
Utah bill easing school vaccine exemptions stalls on tie vote
Three Republicans vote with Democrats to halt Rep. Trevor Lee's proposal.
utahpolitics.news
February 2, 2026 at 3:26 PM
Rep. Trevor Lee's bill eliminating the requirement that parents watch a 15-30 minute educational module before they can receive a waiver to opt their kids out of public school vaccine mandates died on a 6-6 tie vote in a House committee Friday.