Spencer Cox (politician)

Spencer Cox (politician)
Name	Spencer Cox
Caption	Official portrait, 2021
Order	18th
Office	Governor of Utah
Lieutenant	Deidre Henderson
Term start	January 4, 2021
Predecessor	Gary Herbert
Office1	8th Lieutenant Governor of Utah
Governor1	Gary Herbert
Term start1	October 16, 2013
Term end1	January 4, 2021
Predecessor1	Greg Bell
Successor1	Deidre Henderson
Office2	Member of the Utah House of Representatives
Term start2	January 1, 2013
Term end2	October 16, 2013
Predecessor2	Brad King
Successor2	Brad Last
Constituency2	58th district
Birth date	11 July 1975
Birth place	Mount Pleasant, Utah, U.S.
Party	Republican
Spouse	Abby Cox, 2000
Education	Snow College (AS), Utah State University (BA), Washington and Lee University (JD)

Spencer Cox (politician) is an American politician and attorney serving as the 18th Governor of Utah since 2021. A member of the Republican Party (United States), he previously served as the eighth Lieutenant Governor of Utah under Governor Gary Herbert from 2013 to 2021. Cox first entered state politics as a member of the Utah House of Representatives and has built a reputation as a pragmatic conservative focused on issues like rural development, water policy, and technology innovation.

Early life and education

Spencer Cox was born in Mount Pleasant, Utah, and raised in the rural community of Fairview, Utah. He is a descendant of early Latter-day Saint pioneers who settled the Sanpete Valley. Cox earned an Associate of Science degree from Snow College in Ephraim, Utah, before transferring to Utah State University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in political science. He then attended Washington and Lee University School of Law in Lexington, Virginia, graduating with a Juris Doctor.

Early career

After law school, Cox returned to Utah to practice law and later joined his family's business in Sanpete County. He served as a city council member in Fairview and was appointed as a commissioner for Sanpete County, giving him early experience in local governance. His work in the private sector included roles in telecommunications and as a vice president at CentraCom, a local telephone and internet service provider.

Political career

Cox's state legislative career began in 2012 when he was elected to represent the 58th district in the Utah House of Representatives. His tenure was brief but notable, as he was selected by Governor Gary Herbert in October 2013 to replace retiring Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell. As lieutenant governor, Cox oversaw the Utah Elections Office and the Utah Department of Commerce, and he chaired the Utah Rural Partnership. He was elected to full terms alongside Herbert in 2016 and 2020.

Governor of Utah

Spencer Cox assumed the governorship on January 4, 2021, following the retirement of Gary Herbert. His administration has focused on economic growth, particularly in technology and rural development, and managing the state's critical water resources amid a prolonged drought. Key initiatives have included the "Utah Leads Together" plan for economic recovery, significant investment in transportation infrastructure, and advocating for a state balanced budget amendment. In 2023, he signed the Utah Fits All Scholarship program, a major school choice initiative.

Political positions

Cox is considered a pragmatic or moderate conservative within the Republican Party (United States). He has advocated for increased funding for public education and mental health services, while also supporting tax cuts and regulatory reduction. On social issues, he signed legislation banning transgender youth from participating in girls' sports but has also emphasized compassion and civility in political discourse, notably through his "Disagree Better" initiative as chair of the National Governors Association. He is a strong supporter of state's rights and has been critical of federal overreach, particularly regarding public lands management.

Personal life

Spencer Cox is married to Abby Cox, who serves as the First Lady of Utah; they have four children. The family resides in Fairview, Utah, and are active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. An avid outdoorsman, Cox enjoys fly fishing, hunting, and cycling. He has been open about his personal experiences, including a diagnosis with COVID-19 in 2020 and his advocacy for civility in politics.

Category:Governors of Utah Category:Utah Republicans Category:Lieutenant Governors of Utah