ST. GEORGE — In a nod to their underdog status, Washington County Democrats gathered for a party “celebrating being democrats” on the evening of Tuesday’s election.

People crowded into Jazzy’s Rock n Roll Grill in St. George for a party that included raffles for donations to the Democratic Party in Washington County.

Guests were energetic about the night’s prospects as the party began, but as results favoring Republican Party wins, both locally and nationally, appeared on the venue’s multiple television screens, the mood became subdued and the crowd shrunk significantly.

The party was scheduled to last until midnight, but it closed up shop more than an hour before then as the crowd dwindled to no one.

Nonetheless, there was a general sense of optimism for the future expressed by guests and attendant candidates including Democratic candidates for State Senate District 29, Dorothy Engelman, and State House District 71, Chuck Goode.

“We just want to think about the future instead of the past. The future looks good to the democrats, and that’s why we’re so happy tonight,” Goode said shortly after joining the night’s festivities.

As the results streamed in after polls closed, Goode acknowledged his defeat but remained optimistic.

“We really had an impact and I got to talk to a lot of people and I think our issues will be presented at the legislative session and we’ll keep working for our issues — the movement continues,” he said.

Likewise, Engelman gave a gracious speech as results indicating her loss were announced.

“I want to thank everyone who has supported my campaign … We have made a statement. We let people know we’re here. I’ve met absolutely wondrous people and I know that I’ll go on with your support to do other things here for our community.”

Engelman said she was excited about the possibility of a woman becoming president, referring to Democratic presidential candidate Hilary Clinton. She was accompanied to the polls by her granddaughter and daughter, the latter wearing a shirt with the words “a woman’s place is in the house and the senate.”

Girl power was on display in force for guests Linda Stay and Elise West who joined Engelman in donning pantsuits to the occasion.

“Let’s break that glass ceiling, heaven’s yes,” Stay said.

“I think it’s definitely time for women to be more politically involved and to have more of a presence in the White House,” West said.

“We have daughters and granddaughters, and we want them to think the sky’s the limit,” Stay echoed.

As it became apparent a Clinton win would not become a reality, the festivities took a gloomy turn and guests quickly dispersed.

“We have to remind them that there are alternative voices,” Chair of Washington County Democrats Zack Almaguer said in reference to the state’s overwhelming Republican majority.

Though Utah’s voters turned out in droves to retain Republican control of the state legislature and help put Donald Trump in the White House, Almaguer said he has seen progressive causes slowly gain traction in the traditionally conservative state.

Click on photo to enlarge it, then use your left-right arrow keys to cycle through the gallery.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2016, all rights reserved.