Emily Buss

Emily Buss is an American politician and nonprofit executive currently serving as a member of the Utah State Senate, representing the 11th district. She is affiliated with the Forward Party and was elected to her position following a unique selection process that allowed registered voters in her district to participate. Buss is recognized for her community advocacy and leadership in nonprofit organizations, particularly through her work with the Birthday Box Foundation, which she co-founded to support children and families in need. As a legislator, she is noted for being the youngest sitting senator in Utah and the only third-party member in the state legislature.

Early life and career

Emily Buss was born in 1990 and has dedicated a significant portion of her career to community service and nonprofit work. Her early professional experiences included serving as an AmeriCorps member, where she focused on community service initiatives and program development. This role provided her with a foundation in public service and helped her develop skills that would later be beneficial in her legislative career.

Buss’s commitment to helping others led her to the One Utah Service Fellowship, where she became a licensed Social Service Worker (SSW) and worked as a case manager. This experience further deepened her understanding of the challenges faced by families and individuals in her community, reinforcing her dedication to public service and advocacy.

In addition to her work in public service, Buss is also a business executive and nonprofit director. She co-founded the Birthday Box Foundation, an organization aimed at celebrating the birthdays of children and empowering families who are experiencing hardship. Under her leadership, the foundation has gained recognition for its positive impact on the community and was awarded the title of 2025 Nonprofit of the Year. Buss's efforts in this area have not gone unnoticed; she received the 2024 Utah Philanthropy Day Heart & Hands Award and the 2025 Elevate Business Impact Award, highlighting her contributions to philanthropy and community development.

Buss's work in the nonprofit sector and her commitment to community service have positioned her as a prominent figure in Utah, leading to her recognition as one of Utah Business's "2026 Forty Under 40" and one of Utah’s "Remarkable Women" in 2026. These accolades reflect her influence and dedication to improving the lives of those in her community.

Legislative service

Emily Buss began her legislative career in 2025 when she was appointed to the Utah State Senate to represent the 11th district. Her selection came after the resignation of the previous senator, Daniel Thatcher, and marked a significant moment in Utah's political landscape. Buss was chosen through a novel process implemented by the Forward Party, which allowed registered voters in the district to participate in the selection of their new senator. This method of approval voting was notable as it was the first time in U.S. history that such a process was used to elect a state legislator, and it opened the voting to all registered voters in the district, regardless of party affiliation.

Buss was sworn into office on December 17, 2025, becoming the youngest sitting senator in Utah's history and the only third-party member in the state legislature. Her election was characterized by a commitment to transparency and community engagement, as she pledged not to exceed a $300 campaign spending limit and did not spend any money on her campaign.

In the Utah State Senate, Buss serves on several committees, including the General Government Appropriations Subcommittee, the Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee, the Senate Government Operations Confirmation Committee, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, and the Social Services Appropriations Subcommittee. Her involvement in these committees indicates her focus on a range of issues, including government operations, health services, and social services, reflecting her background in nonprofit work and community advocacy.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Utah State Senate representing the 11th district, Emily Buss's policy focus aligns with her background in community service and nonprofit leadership. Her experiences have shaped her understanding of the needs and challenges faced by families and individuals in her district, particularly those who are vulnerable or experiencing hardship. Buss's legislative priorities likely include initiatives aimed at improving social services, enhancing community support systems, and promoting policies that empower families.

The 11th district, which Buss represents, encompasses parts of western Utah County, an area that has experienced growth and development in recent years. This demographic shift presents both opportunities and challenges, as the community navigates issues related to infrastructure, education, and social services. Buss's role as a legislator allows her to advocate for the needs of her constituents, drawing on her experiences in nonprofit work to inform her policy decisions.

Buss's commitment to community engagement is evident in her approach to governance. By involving constituents in the electoral process and prioritizing transparency, she aims to foster a sense of connection between the government and the people it serves. Her legislative work is likely to reflect her dedication to addressing the specific needs of her district while also contributing to broader discussions on state policies.

In summary, Emily Buss's journey from community service to the Utah State Senate illustrates her commitment to public service and advocacy. Her background in nonprofit leadership and her innovative approach to electoral processes position her as a significant figure in Utah politics, particularly as she navigates the complexities of representing a diverse and growing district.