Ski Mountaineer Caroline Gleich Runs for U.S. Senate
Candidate for Utah seat has a history of environmental advocacy
Image: Misu, Adobe Stock
Does the grit it takes to summit world-class mountains translate to politics? We’re about to find out. On Monday, ski mountaineer and Salt Lake City resident Caroline Gleich filed her candidacy for the United States Senate seat in Utah currently held by Senator Mitt Romney. This may be an uphill battle for Gleich, who is running as a Democrat in a state that has only had four democratic senators in its history. Gleich says she is up for the challenge.
“I’ve been an underdog my whole life with skeptics questioning my height, strength, and bravery for scaling the world’s tallest mountains, said Gleich in an Instagram post announcing her candidacy. “Yet, I’ve summited Everest and Cho Oyu. I’ve broken records and defied limits. Running for the United States Senate to represent the people of Utah is undoubtedly an uphill climb, but I’m no stranger to overcoming challenges.”
While Gleich does not have a background in politics, per se, she has been heavily engaged in environmental advocacy through her work with Protect Our Winters and other endeavors. In 2019, Gleich visited Congress to speak on climate change and its impact on mountain sports. Her campaign website does not yet outline her platform and issues.
While many public figures have transitioned into politics, Gleich may be the first professional skier. She says her profession is a benefit to her campaign. In another social media post, she says, “Skiers make good elected officials. We are not afraid of venturing out in the worst weather and dropping in. We do scary things with grace and ease.”
Watch Gleich testify to the Senate Democrats Special Committee on the Climate Crisis in 2019.
