SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah — It was a big night in Utah politics as thousands turned out to schools, community centers and other spots for caucus night.
The caucuses are important for political parties because they're where precinct officials and delegates to the state conventions are chosen. Candidates court those people to earn their party nominations at the state convention.
This year, the Democratic caucuses brought out new people in Salt Lake County. Thanks to the League of Women Voters of Utah and Mormon Women for Ethical Government's lawsuit, there are all new districts — including the new 1st Congressional District centered in the county that has Democrats seeking a competitive edge.
"We are incredibly excited! We know this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have a district that is predominantly left-leaning in Utah. We also have seen a lot of excitement across the entire valley, not just in that congressional district," said Michele Rivera, the chair of the Salt Lake County Democratic Party.
At a community center in South Salt Lake, some candidates and their surrogates dropped by to make pitches for support. Shawn Robinson, who is running for the Democratic nomination for Salt Lake County District Attorney, urged caucus-goers to make a change and elect him. Incumbent DA Sim Gill earned some applause when he told the crowd to "kick some ass" in the upcoming mid-term elections.
For some, it was their first time attending a caucus.
"I've been a long-time Democrat and a long-time voter. I'm just really interested to see... what they're doing, how things are going," Valerie Flattes, who was a first-time caucus attendee, said.
17-year-old Penelope Miller will be old enough to vote by the time the state party convention hits.
"There's a lot of chaotic things going on right now, and I also think that young people have, like, a really important perspective we can bring. I want to bring that voice here and see what I can do with it," Miller said.
With a new congressional map, the Democratic National Committee is looking to turn red-state Utah 'purple':
Republicans are also seeing impacts of the new congressional districts. St. George's Dixie High School had six different precincts of GOP voters excited to participate.
Janet Reber, a 79-year-old Santa Clara resident, said she has been involved in local politics since she was 19, from poll watcher to election judge.
"I am entrenched in being involved in the political party and to see what happens and who shows up," she told FOX 13 News.
Raele Madrid said her enthusiasm hasn't waned. She was at Utah Valley University when Charlie Kirk was killed.
"I feel like, you know, there's no middle ground. We're very broken left and right. But I think we need to come together a little bit more, especially as young people, especially on social media, unfollowing someone just because we don't like their political views, which is not good," Madrid said.
The Washington County delegates chosen on caucus night will ultimately help pick a candidate for the new 3rd Congressional District, which covers a vast part of Utah. Among the candidates? Congresswoman Celeste Maloy is seeking another term in office, while former state lawmaker and gubernatorial candidate Phil Lyman and others filed to challenge her.
WATCH: Republicans gather at Caucus Night meetings in southern Utah
