Carlos A. Moreno took the oath of office in January 2025, making history as one of the first Latino members elected to the Salt Lake County Council. Representing District 2—which includes West Valley City, Kearns, West Jordan, South Jordan and Herriman—Moreno brings a unique perspective shaped by his experience as a political asylee from Venezuela.

Moreno’s path to public service began in Venezuela, where he completed law school with a specialization in Venezuelan labor law. As political tensions in the country grew, he became an activist, founding an organization called Venezuelan Students Abroad to denounce human rights violations.

"The entire country was divided between socialists and those who opposed the changes we were experiencing," Moreno said. "The regime became increasingly repressive and dangerous. They began killing college students."

His activism brought international attention, leading him to speak at the Organization of American States, the European Parliament, the U.S. Senate and the U.S. Congress. However, his efforts also made him a target.

"One day, I woke up to more than a thousand messages on my phone," Moreno recalled. "People were warning me that the president of the Venezuelan Parliament had charged me with treason and conspiracy on national TV the night before. Overnight, I became an enemy of the state—without a country, without a future and almost homeless."

Moreno was granted political asylum in the United States, an experience he describes as life changing. "That day was one of the most beautiful days of my life. I felt as if 50 pounds had been lifted off my shoulders. Freedom is magical, it is why we are alive."

He credits his father’s words as motivation to dedicate his life to public service: "Carlos, you are in the land of the brave, the land of freedom. If you do the right thing, you will find peace, opportunity and freedom. God bless America."

Moreno and his wife own an insurance brokerage agency, working with hundreds of clients on business and personal insurance needs. His experience as a business owner informs his approach to policy.

"As smart business owners, we value simplicity in government processes, especially when it comes to granting licenses," he said. "When you're a small business owner, your focus is on opening your business and making it successful. That’s why we need to design the most efficient ways to expedite the licensing process."

Moreno plans to create an advisory board in collaboration with local chambers of commerce. "Small businesses are the heart of our economy and we need to find ways to support them."

Having witnessed the collapse of democratic institutions in Venezuela, Moreno emphasizes the importance of civic engagement.

"Fighting socialism for 25 years of your life is like earning a Ph.D. in Freedom Studies," he said. "We lost our country in less than two decades because our people were too lazy to get involved and be civically engaged at the beginning of Hugo Chávez’s regime."

Moreno encourages citizens to participate in politics. "America needs new leaders, especially young ones with a clear vision of today’s world."

As the first Latino and naturalized U.S. citizen elected to Salt Lake County office, Moreno sees his role as one of listening and acting on behalf of his constituents.

"As an immigrant, you develop special attributes such as patience, humility, resilience and perseverance," he said. "As public servants, we are here to listen and serve, not to give our constituents lectures or classes on anything. Our duty is to find solutions for everyone."

District 2 is among the most diverse areas in the county. "From Herriman to Magna, every city has its own identity, needs and goals. That’s why I spend time with my constituents; to listen, learn and act."

Public safety is one of Moreno’s key priorities. He is working closely with law enforcement to bridge the gap between communities and police agencies.

"I have a deep respect for our police officers and law enforcement agencies," he said. "I am meeting with police chiefs and law enforcement agencies to put myself at their service while also serving as a liaison to our constituents."

Moreno is planning to establish a West Side Safety Advisory Committee to address public safety concerns. "I want my constituents to know about the wonderful work law enforcement does every day for our communities. Even as a candidate, I was actively working with some police departments on investigations in my district."

Moreno has made fiscal responsibility a priority, advocating for a more efficient county government.

"We need to rein in taxes and spending while ensuring county services remain effective," he said. "That’s why I am leading efforts to streamline services, eliminate duplication and consolidate programs where necessary."

His plan includes increased budget oversight and performance-based funding. "Each department must justify its funding based on results, not just maintaining budgets. We’re focusing on outcomes to ensure that taxpayers’ money is being spent wisely."

He is also working to establish regular efficiency audits. "This will help us identify waste and inefficiency so that we can make the most of every dollar spent."

Outside of politics, Moreno is a devoted husband and father of three boys. "I have been married to my beautiful wife for 15 years, and our sons train in Taekwondo. We also have an English bulldog named Bruno."

Reflecting on his journey, Moreno remains grateful for the opportunities he has found in the United States.

"America is not a dream; America is a miracle," he said.λ