WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah, Aug. 16, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Former Utah state Sen. Karen Mayne died Thursday following a 2 1/2-year battle with cancer. She was 78.
Mayne, a Democrat and longtime advocate for Salt Lake County’s west side, served in the Utah Senate from January 2008 until January 2023, when she resigned due to her declining health.
Mayne, who worked in the Granite School District for 20 years prior to her political service, was appointed to the Senate to fill the seat of her husband, Ed Mayne, who died in 2007.
“Today, we lost an extraordinary stateswoman and one of our dearest friends,” Senate President Stuart Adams and Minority Leader Luz Escamilla said in a joint statement. “Sen. Karen Mayne was a trailblazer and exceptional leader who showed us how working together, despite political differences, can strengthen our state.
“We will forever be grateful for the years we were lucky enough to spend working alongside Sen. Mayne. During this time, we witnessed her unwavering dedication, compassion and grace in serving the people of Utah. Not only was she a confidant of ours but also a source of inspiration, both personally and professionally.
“Throughout her 15 years as a senator, she has passionately and successfully advocated for impactful improvements for our state. She was one of the most effective legislators and consistently passed the most bills during sessions.
“We mourn with and pray for her family during this time of grieving. Her memory and legacy will remain forever in our hearts as we strive to follow her example of living and serving with love.”
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson called Mayne “an exceptional community leader” who “will be remembered as one of the most effective legislators in Utah history.”
“She entered the Senate having lost her bigger-than-life husband, Ed, and brilliantly continued his mission of ‘people first.’ She was the Utah labor movement’s strongest advocate and a fearless leader on behalf of her west side constituents,” Wilson said.
“On a personal note, Karen was a mentor to me. I admired her and learned from her. I have fond memories of knowing her and Ed early in my political life and they are cherished memories. I also appreciated the chance to work with her when we both entered elected life. I know of Karen’s deep love for her family and my thoughts are with them and with all who knew and loved her,” she said.
Utah Democratic Party Chair Diane Lewis described Mayne as one of the party’s “greatest leaders.”
“Sen. Karen Mayne served the people of West Valley for 15 years, consistently working across the aisle to deliver for her constituents. From her work as the vice president of the Utah AFL-CIO to her work in the Legislature, she fought for organized labor. She found common ground when it was possible, and stood firmly in opposition when it wasn’t,” Lewis said.
“Not only have Utah Democrats lost one of our leaders, but I have lost one of my friends. In 2009, Utah Democrats presented Sen. Mayne with the Eleanor Roosevelt award, honoring her public service. Sen. Mayne will always be remembered as one of our party’s most dedicated public servants. Her example will inspire us to serve the people of Utah the best we can. My thoughts are with Sen. Mayne’s friends and family at this time.”
Mayne’s political colleagues and those she represented flooded social media Friday to honor her legacy.
