An elected city council member found guilty of attempted trespassing at South Salt Lake City Hall—after being issued a trespass notice from the City—has expressed interest in challenging her in the upcoming election.

“I may run for mayor,” declared Paul Sanchez shortly after a Utah Justice Court judge delivered the verdict. 

He outlined his platform as one focused on “change, lower taxes and accountability.”

“It’s time for new representation,” Sanchez said in a video posted to his Facebook page. “It’s time for lower taxes. It’s time for everybody to be accountable and transparent to the public and make sure that as we grow, we get more community engagement.”  

Sanchez’s conviction for the lesser offense—he had originally been charged with criminal trespassing—arises from ongoing disputes with other city leaders, which Mayor Cherie Wood described as stemming from “aggressive” social media posts.

In March, Sanchez encountered police while attempting to enter City Hall, stating afterward that he intended to get arrested. And he was.

While Sanchez said he never threatened anyone, he has publicly called out alleged “corruption” among government officials and signaled that he will continue to do so. He criticized the prosecution against him, claiming it “cost taxpayers thousands of dollars” for a penalty of merely a $340 fine, asserting that the matter could have been resolved through dialogue.

Larger issues surrounding free speech and Sanchez’s access to city property for his official duties may still be at play. Currently, he remains barred from attending city council meetings in person.

The next election for mayor in South Salt Lake is scheduled for November 2025. λ