Scoop: Derek Kitchen is also thinking about running for Salt Lake City mayor

• "Whoever wins is going to be the leader of our capital city as we roll into our 2030s," he added.

Catch up quick: So far, Mayor Erin Mendenhall, who is in her second term, Salt Lake County Council Member Ross Romero and former Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon have told Axios they're weighing bids.

• Utah Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla and activist Michael Valentine, who have each run against Mendenhall in separate election cycles, said they intend to enter the race.
• Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said she'll only consider it if Mendenhall doesn't seek re-election.

The big picture: Kitchen, who used to serve alongside Mendenhall on the Salt Lake City Council, said her decision to run would impact his consideration.

• If she doesn't seek re-election, "It would add more fuel to my fire," he said.

• "If she does decide to run, it will allow me to step back and think about this more directly," he said.

Catch up quick: Kitchen rose to prominence in the political scene after prevailing in a landmark 2013 federal lawsuit that overturned Utah's ban on same-sex marriage.

• He was elected to the City Council in 2015 and served one term as a state senator from 2019-2023.
• He jumped into the crowded 1st Congressional District race last year, but dropped out before the candidate filing deadline.