About Wendy Davis
As a teenager, Wendy Davis set a goal to be the first female governor of the state of Illinois, and she purposefully began her political journey. As a college student, she worked for her Illinois State Senator, where she was inspired by women and men who told her that a job in the legislature could be her job someday.
Wendy has been a student of politics and political science for her entire life. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Bradley University, a master's degree in political science from Virginia Tech, and a PhD in Political Science from the University of Utah, where her research interests included education policy, political socialization, state and local government, and political participation.
In The Fight You Don’t See (March 19, 2024, Page & Podium Press), Wendy recounts the hidden battles she faced before—and long after—Election Day, and draws a portrait of modern American politics. Her journey through the opportunities and obstacles, and the trials and triumphs, is a testament to her compassion and courage, and her resilience and grace. Through it all, she would prove that she was much more than an underdog…she was a fighter.
In 2020, she ran for the Utah State Legislature in House District 45 against a Republican incumbent and lost that race by 78 votes. When the legislature completed redistricting in 2021, she found herself 1.3 blocks outside of the old district, ensuring that there would be no rematch against that opponent. Instead, she found herself in a House District with a fellow Democrat. In 2026, she challenged the Democratic incumbent. After nearly eliminating her opponent during the Salt Lake County Convention, she was defeated in the Primary election by less than 100 votes.
Wendy has spent her professional career in technology with a specialty in the Higher Education and Nonprofit Sectors. As a consultant, she has traveled to colleges and universities in every state in the US and many places around the world. Wendy was previously on the board of the Women’s Democratic Club of Utah, an organization that celebrated its 130th anniversary in 2026. She is an inaugural member of the board for the Selma Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring the men, women, and children who were enslaved in the United States. She is the chair of the Sandy City Community Development Block Grant Committee.
In 2024, Wendy was a Stevie Award finalist for Customer Service Leader of the Year. She was also recognized by the Utah 40 Over 40 organization—a nonprofit committed to honoring and celebrating women over forty for their exceptional achievements and outstanding contributions.
Wendy is a grandma of ten remarkably smart, funny, and talented grandkids. Her favorite sport is baseball, and her team is the San Francisco Giants. Wendy resides in Sandy, Utah, with her husband, Dean.