Summary

Current: Governor since 2021
Affiliation: Republican 

History: A moderate member of the Republican Party, Spencer Cox served as the eighth lieutenant governor of Utah from 2013 to 2021.  In Fairview, Utah, where Cox lives and was raised, he was elected to the city council in 2004 and then as mayor in 2005. In 2008, he was elected as a Sanpete County county commissioner. He was elected to the Utah House of Representatives in 2012. In October 2013, Governor Gary Herbert appointed Cox to replace Greg Bell as lieutenant governor.

Cox was accepted by Harvard Law School, but chose to enroll at Washington and Lee University School of Law, from which he graduated with a Juris Doctor in 2001. Cox was a law clerk for judge Ted Stewart of the United States District Court for the District of Utah. After his clerkship, Cox joined Fabian and Clendenin, a Salt Lake City law firm. He returned to rural Utah and became a vice president of Centracom.

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About

Spencer J. Cox 1A sixth-generation Utahn, Gov. Spencer J. Cox was born and raised in Fairview, a town of 1,247 residents located about two hours south of Salt Lake City. He graduated from Snow College, Utah State University and Washington and Lee University School of Law.

Cox met Abby Palmer at age 16 and they have been smitten with each other ever since. After Spencer’s service as a missionary in Mexico, the couple married and moved away to continue their education. Gov. Cox launched his career as an attorney clerking for U.S. District Judge Ted Stewart and began building a successful law practice at a Salt Lake City firm, Fabian & Clendenin. He returned to Fairview to join the family business, CentraCom, as vice president and general counsel.

In Fairview, Gov. Cox served as a city councilman, mayor, county commissioner and state legislator before being appointed to serve as Utah’s lieutenant governor in 2013.

Gov. Cox has spoken out and led out on some of the state’s most daunting challenges including the current coronavirus crisis, homelessness, suicide prevention and bullying. His efforts contributed to Utah’s unprecedented prosperity while fulfilling his constitutional mandate to ensure free and fair elections as the state’s chief election officer. Cox is a vocal advocate for civility in politics, and he’s committed to improving education, strengthening the economy, bolstering Utah’s rural communities, supporting public health, and ensuring opportunity for all Utahns.

Gov. Cox and wife Abby are proud parents of four children: Gavin, Kaleb, Adam and EmmaKate. He and his family enjoy spending time in Utah’s amazing backcountry. He also plays the bass guitar with his brother in a local rock band.

Personal

Full Name: Spencer J. Cox

Gender: Male

Family: Wife: Abby; 4 Children: Gavin, Kaleb, Adam, Emma Kate

Birth Date: 07/11/1975

Birth Place: Fairview, UT

Home City: Fairview, UT

Religion: Mormon

Source: Vote Smart

Education

BA, Political Science and Government, Utah State University, 4.0 Grade Point Average, 2007-2008

AA, General Studies, Snow College, 2003-2004

JD, Washington and Lee University, 1998-2001

Political Experience

Governor, State of Utah, 2021-present

Former Council Member, City of Fairview

Former Mayor, City of Fairview

Former Commissioner, Sanpete County

Lieutenant Governor, State of Utah, 2013-2021

Candidate, Utah State Governor, 2020

Appointed by Governor Herbert, Lieutenant Governor, State of Utah, October 8, 2013

Representative, Utah State House of Representatives, District 58, 2012-2013

Professional Experience

Former Attorney, Fabian and Clendenin, Salt Lake City

Former Law Clerk, Federal District Judge Ted Stewart

Vice President/General Counsel, CentraCom Interactive, 2003-2013

Office

The Office of Gov. Spencer J. Cox
350 N. State Street, Suite 200
P.O. Box 142220
Salt Lake City, UT  84114-2220
Phone: 801-538-1000
Toll Free: 800-705-2464

Contact

Email: Government Office

Web Links

Politics

Source: none

Finances

Source: Open Secrets

New Legislation

Issues

overnance
Return Power to State Governments

The Framers of the U.S. Constitution designed a government system that divided power between the national and state governments. This had the express purpose of preserving the liberty of individuals. Spencer agrees with James Madison that the responsibilities and powers of the federal government were to be few and defined, while the powers and responsibilities of states were numerous and indefinite.

Unfortunately, over time the balance of power between the states and the federal government has become misaligned. As governor, Spencer will be a vocal champion of the ideals of federalism—working to return power, resources, and decision-making back to the states where they rightfully belong. If the balance of power is going to change, Utah will need to lead.

Manage Utah’s Public Lands Fairly

From red rock country to the canyons of the Wasatch Mountains, Utah is blessed with some of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders. We’re proud of our natural resources and should continue to be the premier recreation destination for people around the globe. Public lands are central to what makes Utah different, and they’re a big part of what makes us great.

As someone who lives and farms just outside federal land, Spencer knows that Utahns love and appreciate their public lands more than anyone else. Unfortunately, today’s D.C.-based, top-down management approach fails to adequately reflect the views and input of the people who actually live here.

Spencer supports a re-examination of policy to ensure our lands are managed responsibly and that the interests of all stakeholders are considered fairly. As governor, Spencer is committed to keeping Utah’s public lands public—and will take steps to involve our citizens in the creation and implementation of public lands policies.

Make our state work better for taxpayers

Spencer is a fiscal conservative who knows Utah can’t tax its way to prosperity. Taxes need to be as low as possible to fund the services needed for a dynamic, caring and prosperous society. We need to redesign our state tax code with an emphasis on reducing complexity—and avoid picking winners and losers. As governor, Spencer will push for a limited but effective government that spends wisely and avoids overreaching and wasteful spending.

Over the last ten years, Utah has reduced the size of government from one state employee for every 127 Utahns in 2009, to one state employee for every 155 Utahns in 2018–saving Utahns more than $2 billion during this time. As governor, Spencer will continue the same frugal and efficient management of state government.

A new administration is the perfect opportunity to reevaluate and find ways to make state government work even better for Utah taxpayers.
Civil Rights
Stand by our 2nd Amendment Rights

As a lifelong gun owner, Spencer believes the 2nd Amendment is a constitutional right designed to recognize and protect an individual’s pre-existing right to keep and bear arms for self-defense.

Spencer believes the Utah Constitution gets it just right: “The individual right of the people to keep and bear arms for security and defense of self, family, others, property, or the state as well as for other lawful purposes shall not be infringed; but nothing herein shall prevent the Legislature from defining the lawful use of arms. (Utah Const. art. I, § 6)”
Democracy
Defend the Constitution

The U.S. Constitution is an inspired document, and the bedrock of our independence and liberty. It guarantees our freedoms and has inspired millions around the world while helping create the most prosperous and successful nation in history.

Spencer is a firm believer in constitutional principles and in the importance of adhering to this sacred document. As governor, he will proudly take the oath of office to support and defend both the Constitution of the United States and the Utah Constitution and will place both documents at the forefront of his decision-making.
Economy
Rebuild the Economy

The past few weeks have been some of the most difficult in Utah history. We have all worried about our families and our neighbors. We’ve worried about the future.

Spencer Cox is running for Governor because he believes Utah’s best days are ahead of us. And having served as Lieutenant Governor during the most prosperous decade in our state’s history, he knows firsthand what it takes to build a strong, vibrant economy in the wake of economic disaster. He’s confident that with your support, we can do it again.

Make Corporate Tax Incentives Work Harder for Us

Spencer believes free market capitalism has done more to eradicate real poverty than any other socioeconomic system in the history of the world. Conversely, tax incentives to lure corporate investment inherently changes the playing field in free markets and can lead to governments—not markets—picking winners and losers.

Ideally, states would compete solely on the basis of their workforce, infrastructure, tax/regulatory policies and cost of doing business. But as long as other states continue to offer corporate incentives, Spencer believes Utah should be highly selective and reserve the best incentives for companies that are willing to invest in and build up economies in struggling communities.

Create the Right Kinds of Jobs

Having run a private telecommunications business, Spencer knows that government doesn’t create jobs. But it can help foster an environment where businesses and individuals can create, compete and succeed. High taxes, regulations and a misaligned education system hinders growth and job creation.

Spencer has played a leading role in Utah’s decade-long record-setting growth and prosperity. Utah has added more than 250,000 jobs during his tenure as Lt. Governor. Spencer knows that a prosperous economy will follow policies that keep taxes low and regulations to a minimum—and he’s committed to continue making this happen.

Give Rural Utah a Voice

Spencer isn’t one of those statewide politicians who pay lip service to rural Utahns. He is a rural Utahn. His family has lived and farmed in Sanpete County for six generations. In fact, when Governor Herbert asked Spencer to be his lieutenant governor six years ago, he accepted only if he could continue to live in Fairview—commuting 200 miles almost every day to serve the state.

So, no one understands better the need to bring the same level of prosperity the Wasatch Front has experienced to the rest of the state. It’s why Spencer will bring an enhanced rural focus to the Governor’s office. This will include a major overhaul of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development to prioritize economic development in rural areas, installing the first “rural chief of staff” in the governor’s office, and promoting the aggressive placement of state jobs in rural areas.

A Cox administration will make sure rural Utah is not forgotten and will represent all 29 counties and 248 cities and towns.
Education
Transforming our Education System

Our kids and their teachers deserve all the support we can give them. It’s why ensuring education excellence will be the primary focus of the Cox administration, believing that we need greater accountability from elected officials for education outcomes.

Spencer strongly supports teachers and believes they should be compensated fairly and given the flexibility they need to succeed. Likewise, every student in Utah should have access to a school or education platform that best suits their learning needs. Principals need the authority and tools to both hire the best teachers—and fire bad teachers.

Spencer knows education is a state and local prerogative and that federal involvement in education should be minimized to the greatest extent possible. That way teachers can get back to doing what they do best—teaching.
Restore Utah’s Values of Civility and Service
Politics is fundamentally broken in our country. It’s turned into a competition to tear people down instead of an opportunity to bridge differences and bring people together.

In Utah, our willingness to help our neighbors and collaborate to solve problems makes us unique in this increasingly toxic environment of tribalism. We have the potential to show the rest of the country how to treat one another, reach consensus on difficult issues and build thriving communities.

As governor, Spencer will also continue what he started on the campaign trail—help draw attention to the power of service and voluntary civic action. Government can’t solve all of society’s problems, but private initiative and active community organizations are vital to a thriving and cohesive state.
Support and Strengthen Utah’s Families
The family is the foundation of American society. Parents—not governments—have the most direct and immediate influence on a child’s health, education and welfare. Our communities, schools, government and society will never succeed if we don’t have strong and vibrant families.

Spencer believes government policies should support and strengthen the family unit. No government program, no amount of public spending, no social intervention can completely offset a failed or broken home.
Protect the Right to life
Spencer opposes abortion, allowing only rare exceptions for rape, incest or life of the mother. There are hundreds of thousands of abortions performed in our country every year. Spencer has always tried to be a voice for the most vulnerable in our society, those facing intergenerational poverty, refugees, the LGBTQ community, our multicultural communities—and yes, the unborn.

Spencer also believes that the Republican party should do more to support single mothers, pregnant women and children facing poverty and trauma. Spencer continues to be unapologetically pro-life.

More Information

Wikipedia

This article is about the politician. For the HIV/AIDS activist, see Spencer Cox (activist).

Spencer James Cox (born July 11, 1975) is an American lawyer and politician serving as the 18th governor of Utah since 2021. A member of the Republican Party, he served as the eighth lieutenant governor of Utah from 2013 to 2021. In Fairview, Utah, where Cox lives and was raised, he was elected to the city council in 2004 and then as mayor in 2005. In 2008, he was elected as a Sanpete County commissioner.[1]

He was elected to the Utah House of Representatives in 2012. In October 2013, Governor Gary Herbert appointed Cox to replace Greg Bell as lieutenant governor; he was confirmed unanimously by the Utah State Senate. Cox was elected to the lieutenant governorship as Herbert’s running mate in 2016, and was elected governor in 2020. He was reelected to a second term in 2024.

Early life and education

Cox was raised in Fairview, Utah; he graduated from North Sanpete High School. He enrolled at Snow College and completed a mission to Mexico for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while he was a student. During that time, he married his high-school sweetheart, Abby, who also graduated from Snow College. After graduating with an associate’s degree, he attended Utah State University (USU), graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts in political science.[2] At USU, Cox was named Student of the Year and graduated with a 4.0 grade point average.

Cox was accepted by Harvard Law School but instead chose to enroll at Washington and Lee University School of Law. He was a member of the Washington and Lee Law Review and graduated in 2001 with a Juris Doctor with honors.[2][3]

Career

After law school, Cox was a law clerk for judge Ted Stewart of the United States District Court for the District of Utah. After his clerkship, Cox joined Fabian and Clendenin, a Salt Lake City law firm. He returned to rural Utah and became a vice president of Centracom.[4]

Political career

Cox was elected as a city councilor of Fairview, Utah in 2004,[3] and mayor the next year. In 2008, he was elected as a Sanpete County commissioner.[5][6][2] Cox was elected to the Utah House of Representatives in 2012 and became the first member to call for the impeachment of John Swallow, the attorney general of Utah, over violations of campaign finance laws.[7] Cox and Lieutenant Governor Bell served as co-chairs of Governor Herbert’s Rural Partnership Board.[8]

Lieutenant governor of Utah

In October 2013, Herbert selected Cox to succeed Bell as lieutenant governor following Bell’s resignation.[8] The Utah Senate’s Government Operations Confirmation Committee unanimously approved his nomination on October 15.[9] The next day, the full Utah Senate confirmed him unanimously and he was sworn in.[10] As lieutenant governor, Cox produced a report on Swallow’s financial interests, demonstrating that Swallow had failed to properly disclose all of his income and business interests. Swallow resigned before the report’s release.[11]

In the 2016 Utah gubernatorial election, Cox was elected to a full term as lieutenant governor as Herbert’s running mate.[12][13]

Governor of Utah

See also: 2020 Utah gubernatorial election

On May 14, 2019, after Herbert announced that he would not seek reelection, Cox announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for governor of Utah in 2020.[14] With 36% of the vote in the primary, he defeated former governor Jon Huntsman Jr., former Utah GOP chair Thomas Wright, and former Utah House speaker Greg Hughes.[15] In the general election, Cox defeated the Democratic nominee, Chris Peterson, 63% to 30%.[16] In a break with tradition, Cox’s January 4, 2021, inauguration (with precautions against the COVID-19 pandemic) was held at the Tuacahn Center for the Arts in Ivins, Utah, a small town in Washington County. The stated purpose of this move was to express Cox’s desire to be governor for the entire state as opposed to focusing on the Wasatch Front region.[17] Within days of his inauguration, he opened an office on Southern Utah University‘s Cedar City campus.[18]

Cox said early on that increasing the speed of the state’s vaccine distribution was his administration’s top priority. As of April 2021, Utah had administered more than 85% of the doses that it has received, according to CDC data.[19] In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic in Utah, Cox faced criticism for the state’s decision to award millions of dollars in no-bid contracts in the early days of the crisis and for the controversial purchase of an anti-malaria drug as a possible treatment for COVID-19. Cox says he had no role in approving the $800,000 hydroxychloroquine order, which was later canceled.[18][20]

In July 2022, Cox was elected vice chair of the National Governors Association, succeeding New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, who was voted chair.[21] In March 2023, Cox signed two bills into law, including the Utah Social Media Regulation Act, which bans social media platforms, such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, from allowing minors to create accounts without parental consent, and blocks children’s access during certain hours.[22][23][24]

Vetoes

Cox has vetoed five bills as of 2022, all of which were Republican-backed (Republicans have supermajorities in both of Utah’s state legislative chambers).

Cox’s first veto was of a bill sponsored by his brother-in-law, Senator Mike McKell, which sought to regulate the way social media platforms moderate content.[25] Cox also vetoed Senate Bill 187: Local Education Agency Policies Amendments, sponsored by Ronald Winterton; Senate Bill 39: Hemp Regulation Amendments, sponsored by David Hinkins; and House Bill 98: Local Government Building Regulation Amendments, sponsored by Paul Ray.[26][27][28]

In March 2022, Cox vetoed House Bill 11: Student Eligibility in Interscholastic Activities, sponsored by Kera Birkeland, which aimed to prevent transgender youth athletes from participating in women’s sports. Cox noted that of Utah’s 75,000 student athletes, only four were transgender and only one competed in women’s sports.[29] The legislature overrode his veto.[30]

Political positions

Cox is frequently considered a moderate Republican.[31][32]

In October 2015, Cox endorsed Marco Rubio in the 2016 Republican presidential primary.[33] After Rubio withdrew, Cox endorsed Ted Cruz in March 2016.[34]

Cox said of Donald Trump’s campaign, “We care a lot about decorum. We care about our neighbors. We are a good, kind people. He does not represent neither goodness nor kindness.”[35] He said he would not support Trump if he won the Republican nomination: “I think he’s disingenuous. I think he’s dangerous. I think he represents the worst of what our great country stands for… I won’t vote for Hillary, but I won’t vote for Trump, either.”[36]

Cox eventually changed course and said in 2020 that he supported Trump, although he claims not to have voted for Trump in the 2016 or the 2020 presidential election. After the 2021 United States Capitol attack, Cox said that Trump was responsible for inciting the violence and called on him to resign.[37][38]

On July 14, 2024, Cox released a letter endorsing Trump. In it, he wrote of a failed Trump assassination attempt: “I want you to know that I truly believe that God had a hand in saving you…I also hesitate to even imagine what would have happened to our country if your life had not been miraculously spared… Your life was spared. Now, because of that miracle, you have the opportunity to do something that no other person on earth can do right now: unify and save our country.” Cox added that he believes that only Trump can unite the citizenry of the U.S. and prevent the country from being torn apart.[39]

Abortion

Cox identifies himself as pro-life[40] and opposes abortion except in the cases of rape, incest, or life of the mother.[41]

In May 2022, after the leaking of the draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade, Cox expressed support for the decision, but decried the leak, saying, “While we are encouraged and optimistic at the possibility that the abortion law will be left to the duly elected representatives of the states, draft rulings are not actual rulings and leaked drafts are a dangerous violation of court protocol and deliberations.”[42]

On June 24, 2022, Cox expressed his support for the overturning of Roe v. Wade and said: “This administration has been dedicated to giving a voice to the most vulnerable in our society, including the unborn. We wholeheartedly support this Supreme Court ruling and are encouraged to see abortion law will be left to elected state representatives. As pro-life advocates, this administration is equally committed to supporting women and families in Utah. We all need to do more to support mothers, pregnant women, and children facing poverty and trauma.”[43]

In March 2023, Cox signed a bill banning abortion clinics from operating in Utah and requiring abortions to be performed in a hospital.[44] The law was issued a temporary injunction by Third District Court Judge Andrew Stone a day before it was to take effect.[45]

Environment

Cox opposes the use of the Antiquities Act to create national monuments, saying that he believes monument designations hurt the landscapes they are meant to protect. He has expressed opposition to the restored boundaries of Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, and to the creation of Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument.[46]

Guns

In February 2021, Cox signed a constitutional carry bill to allow individuals to carry a firearm in public without a permit, making Utah the 17th state to do so.[47]

In June 2022, Cox said in a press conference that he was open to discussing a red flag law with the legislature.[48]

LGBT rights

On June 13, 2016, Cox spoke at a vigil in Salt Lake City honoring those who died in the Orlando nightclub shooting the day before. He surprised many when he apologized for mistreating schoolmates and his lack of support for the LGBTQ community.[49][50] He aimed part of his speech at the “straight community”:[51]

How did you feel when you heard that 49 people had been gunned down by a self-proclaimed terrorist? That’s the easy question. Here is the hard one: Did that feeling change when you found out the shooting was at a gay bar at 2 a.m. in the morning? If that feeling changed, then we are doing something wrong.

Cox has further shown support for the LGBTQ+ community by supporting Governor Herbert’s signing an executive order on January 21, 2020, to ban conversion therapy after a bill to do so died in the State Senate in May 2019.[52][53]

In an April 2021 town hall meeting, Cox announced his personal pronouns are “he”, “him”, and “his”.[54]

In March 2022, Cox vetoed HB11, which would ban transgender youth from participating in high school sports, noting that only four trans kids were playing high school sports in the state at the time. “These kids, they’re just trying to stay alive”, he said, referring to studies showing that 56% of trans youth have attempted suicide.[55][56]

On June 1, 2022, Cox became the first Utah governor to recognize June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month when he issued an official proclamation and encouraged Utahns to “be more welcoming and accepting of the LGBTQ community”.[57]

On January 28, 2023, Cox signed Senate Bill 16, which bans gender-affirming surgery for patients under 18.[58]

On March 22, 2023, Cox signed HB228, codifying Utah’s existing conversion therapy ban, previously approved through a 2020 administrative rule. It was the first conversion therapy ban in the country to pass a state legislature unanimously.[59][60]

On August 5, 2024, Cox and other state leaders shared misinformation about the female Olympic boxer Imane Khelif. Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz initially posted, “Enough is enough. Men don’t belong in women’s sports”, which Cox shared, adding: “This should never happen to any of our female athletes. They deserve better.” At the time of these statements, it had already been confirmed that Khelif was a woman.[61][62]

Personal life

Cox with his wife Abby in 2024

Cox is the oldest of eight children and grew up on a farm in Fairview.[2] He and his wife, Abby, have four children, and reside on their family farm in Fairview.[3] Cox’s father, Eddie, served on the Utah Transportation Commission and was also a Sanpete County commissioner.[9]

Cox plays bass guitar in a garage band.[7][9] His brother-in-law, Travis Osmond, the son of Merrill Osmond, taught him to play bass.[63] State Senator Mike McKell is also a brother-in-law.[2] Cox’s fourth cousin, Jon Cox, succeeded him in the Utah House of Representatives.[64]

Cox is a fan of the band The Killers and in 2018 recorded a cover of the song “Read My Mind” with his band. At a 2024 campaign event Cox crowd-surfed during a Brandon Flowers performance.

Electoral history

2016 Utah gubernatorial election[65]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
RepublicanGary Herbert/Spencer Cox (incumbent) 750,850 66.74% −1.67%
DemocraticMike Weinholtz/Kim Bowman323,34928.74%+1.16%
LibertarianBrian Kamerath/Barry Short34,8273.10%+0.85%
Independent AmericanSuperdell Schanze/Gregory Duerden15,9121.41%N/A
IndependentL.S. Brown (write-in)970.01%N/A
Total votes1,125,035 100.0% N/A
Republican hold
2020 Republican gubernatorial primary[66]
PartyCandidateVotes%
RepublicanSpencer Cox 190,565 36.15%
RepublicanJon Huntsman Jr.184,24634.95%
RepublicanGreg Hughes110,83521.02%
RepublicanThomas Wright41,5327.88%
Total votes527,178 100.00%
2020 Utah gubernatorial election[67]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
RepublicanSpencer Cox 918,754 62.98% −3.76%
DemocraticChristopher Peterson442,75430.35%+1.61%
LibertarianDaniel Cottam51,3933.52%+0.42%
Independent AmericanGregory Duerden25,8101.77%+0.36%
Write-in20,1671.38%+1.37%
Total votes1,458,878 100.00%
Republican hold

References

  1. ^ “Sanpete County Commissioners | Sanpete County”. Archived from the original on April 1, 2010. Retrieved December 15, 2019.
  2. ^ a b c d e Gehrke, Robert (October 15, 2013). “How Cox rose from farm boy to lieutenant-governor-in-waiting”. The Salt Lake Tribune. Archived from the original on October 16, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
  3. ^ a b c Wells, David (October 8, 2013). “Utah’s new Lt. Governor announced”. FOX13Now.com. Archived from the original on October 12, 2013. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
  4. ^ Robinson, Doug (June 29, 2014). “Spencer Cox: The lieutenant governor who almost said no”. Deseret News. Archived from the original on August 7, 2014. Retrieved August 6, 2014.
  5. ^ “2008 In Review | Local News”. Daily Herald. heraldextra.com. December 31, 2008. Archived from the original on June 2, 2019. Retrieved December 15, 2019.
  6. ^ “Delegates trade one Cox for another for Utah House seat”. The Salt Lake Tribune. November 8, 2013. Archived from the original on November 14, 2018. Retrieved December 15, 2019.
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  8. ^ a b Roche, Lisa Riley (October 8, 2013). “Gov. Herbert names Rep. Spencer Cox new lieutenant governor”. Deseret News. Archived from the original on December 5, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
  9. ^ a b c Roche, Lisa Riley (October 15, 2013). “Lt. gov. pick Spencer Cox wins unanimous approval from confirmation committee”. Deseret News. Archived from the original on October 19, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
  10. ^ Roche, Lisa Riley (October 16, 2013). “‘Shocked’ Spencer Cox sworn in as new lieutenant governor”. Deseret News. Archived from the original on April 5, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
  11. ^ Gehrke, Robert (November 22, 2013). “Swallow resigns, proclaiming innocence: ‘Time for the madness to stop’“. The Salt Lake Tribune. Archived from the original on February 14, 2014. Retrieved September 21, 2014.
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  13. ^ “State Board of Canvassers” (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on May 14, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
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  15. ^ Axelrod, Tal (July 6, 2020). “Spencer Cox defeats Jon Huntsman in Utah GOP governor primary”. TheHill. Archived from the original on July 7, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  16. ^ Roche, Lisa Riley (November 3, 2020). “Spencer Cox says he’ll be governor for all of Utah as Peterson concedes race”. Deseret News. Archived from the original on November 4, 2020. Retrieved November 5, 2020.
  17. ^ McKellar, Katie (January 4, 2021). “Spencer Cox, Utah’s 18th governor, says state’s greatest days lie ahead”. Deseret News. Archived from the original on January 30, 2021. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
  18. ^ a b Rodgers, Bethany (January 3, 2021). “Utah’s incoming Gov. Spencer Cox faces challenges on vaccinations, education”. The Salt Lake Tribune. Archived from the original on June 29, 2021. Retrieved June 29, 2021.
  19. ^ Stevens, Taylor; Rodgers, Bethany (April 16, 2021). “Here are five things Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said he would do in his first 100 days. Did he do them?”. The Salt Lake Tribune. Archived from the original on June 29, 2021. Retrieved June 29, 2021.
  20. ^ Rodgers, Bethany (September 7, 2020). “Opponents of Spencer Cox wait for audit of no-bid contracts”. The Salt Lake Tribune. Archived from the original on June 29, 2021. Retrieved June 29, 2021.
  21. ^ “Gov. Cox elected vice chair of NGA”. governor.utah.gov. Portland, Maine. July 15, 2022. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
  22. ^ Moshiri, Azadeh (March 24, 2023). “Utah is first US state to limit teen social media access”. BBC. Retrieved March 28, 2023.
  23. ^ “Utah’s new social media law means children will need approval from parents”. NPR. March 24, 2023. Retrieved March 28, 2023.
  24. ^ Singer, Natasha (March 23, 2023). “Utah Law Could Curb Use of TikTok and Instagram by Children and Teens”. The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved March 28, 2023.
  25. ^ Schott, Brian (March 23, 2021). “Utah Gov. Spencer Cox vetoes controversial social media legislation”. The Salt Lake Tribune. Archived from the original on June 29, 2021. Retrieved June 29, 2021.
  26. ^ “S.B. 39 Hemp Regulation Amendments”. Utah State Legislature. March 24, 2021. Archived from the original on August 10, 2021. Retrieved June 29, 2021.
  27. ^ “S.B. 187 Local Education Agency Policies Amendments”. Utah State Legislature. March 24, 2021. Archived from the original on June 29, 2021. Retrieved June 29, 2021.
  28. ^ “H.B. 98 Local Government Building Regulation Amendments”. Utah State Legislature. March 24, 2021. Archived from the original on August 10, 2021. Retrieved June 29, 2021.
  29. ^ Winslow, Ben (March 22, 2022). “Utah’s governor vetoes transgender sports bill, legislature will override”. KSTU. Archived from the original on March 22, 2022. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
  30. ^ Medina, Eduardo (March 25, 2022). “Utah Legislature Overrides Governor’s Veto of Transgender Athlete Bill”. The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
  31. ^ Dunphey, Kyle (July 11, 2023). “Poll: Utah Gov. Spencer Cox continues to enjoy strong approval rating”. Deseret News. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
  32. ^ “Utah governor says Taylor Greene’s ‘national divorce’ proposal is ‘evil’“. FOX News. February 21, 2023. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
  33. ^ Steinbrecher, Lauren; Wells, David (October 19, 2015). “Presidential candidate Marco Rubio visiting Utah Monday”. FOX13 Salt Lake City. Archived from the original on September 19, 2016. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
  34. ^ Woodruff, Daniel (March 19, 2016). “Utah’s Lt. Gov. endorses Ted Cruz, condemns Trump’s comments on Romney”. KUTV. Archived from the original on June 28, 2016. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
  35. ^ “Trump’s Appeal With Mormons To Be Tested In Utah”. CBS Baltimore. Associated Press. Archived from the original on August 10, 2016. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
  36. ^ Winslow, Ben; Wells, David (March 16, 2016). “GOP presidential debate in SLC canceled”. FOX13 Salt Lake City. Archived from the original on June 13, 2016. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
  37. ^ “Gov. Spencer Cox Said President Trump Incited Violence at Capitol, Defends Past Support”. January 8, 2021. Archived from the original on July 14, 2021. Retrieved July 14, 2021.
  38. ^ Ball, Molly (August 18, 2022). “The Red-State Governor Who’s Not Afraid to Be ‘Woke’“. Time. Salt Lake City. Retrieved August 20, 2022.
  39. ^ “Gov. Cox does an about-face, endorses Trump after assassination attempt”. FOX 13 News Utah (KSTU). July 19, 2024. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  40. ^ “Utah’s Lt. Gov. Cox Defends Comparing Abortion to Slavery After Backlash”. Newsweek. January 13, 2020. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  41. ^ Martinez, Ivana (January 26, 2020). “Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox Responds to Controversial Comments on Abortion”. The Daily Utah Chronicle. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  42. ^ Benedict, Patrick (May 3, 2022). “Utah politicians react to Roe v Wade bombshell; Cox, Henderson, Romney, Lee express support for draft opinion, decry historic leak | Gephardt Daily”. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  43. ^ “Gov. Cox and Lt. Gov. Henderson issue joint statement on U.S. Supreme Court ruling”. Governor Spencer J. Cox. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  44. ^ “Utah governor signs bill banning abortion clinics across the state”. ABC News. March 16, 2023. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
  45. ^ Afshar, Paradise (May 3, 2023). “Judge blocks Utah’s ban on abortion clinics from taking effect | CNN Politics”. CNN. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
  46. ^ Parrott, Jeff; Scholl, Jacob (August 11, 2023). “Federal judge tosses Utah lawsuit seeking to shrink Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante monuments”. The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  47. ^ Earl, Mateo. “Utah Governor Signs Law to Allow Unpermitted Gun Carry”. The Skyline Horizon. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  48. ^ “Utah Gov. Spencer Cox asking Utah lawmakers to keep an open mind on gun reform”. Deseret News. June 16, 2022. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  49. ^ Victor, Daniel (June 16, 2016). “At Vigil for Orlando Victims, Utah Republican Apologizes to L.G.B.T. Community”. New York Times. Archived from the original on June 18, 2016. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
  50. ^ McEvers, Kelly (June 15, 2016). “‘My Heart Has Changed’: Utah Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox Apologizes To LGBT Community”. NPR. Archived from the original on June 17, 2016. Retrieved June 18, 2016.
  51. ^ “Lt. Gov. Cox speaks at vigil for Orlando: ‘My heart has changed’ (transcript)”. June 14, 2016. Archived from the original on June 19, 2016. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
  52. ^ Giardinelli, Christina (March 8, 2019). “LGBTQ Youth Sat in Front of Governor’s Office Demanding an Apology. They Got One”. The Daily Utah Chronicle. Retrieved July 28, 2022.
  53. ^ @spencerjcox (March 7, 2019). “Amelia, I am so sorry that you are hurting” (Tweet). Archived from the original on June 7, 2020. Retrieved July 7, 2023 – via Twitter.
  54. ^ “Conservative group shares misleading video of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox listing his pronouns”.
  55. ^ Cox, Spencer (March 24, 2022). “Gov. Cox: Why I’m vetoing HB11”. Governor Spencer J. Cox. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
  56. ^ “BREAKING: Human Rights Campaign Commends Republican Gov. Spencer Cox for Vetoing Anti-Trans Sports Ban”. Human Rights Campaign. March 22, 2022. Retrieved July 28, 2022.
  57. ^ “Governor issues proclamation marking LGBTQ Pride Month”. KSTU. June 1, 2022. Retrieved July 28, 2022.
  58. ^ “Utah Governor signs SB 16 into law, banning gender-affirming procedures on minors”. The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved January 29, 2023.
  59. ^ “Utah Governor Signs Conversion Therapy Ban Into Law”. March 22, 2023.
  60. ^ “Utah Legislature codifies ban on conversion therapy while addressing therapists’ concerns”. February 17, 2023.
  61. ^ “Utah’s attacks on Olympic boxer’s gender call future host’s inclusivity into question”. August 5, 2024.
  62. ^ “Cox, Lee, Schultz, Adams spread misconceptions about Olympic boxer’s sex”. August 6, 2024.
  63. ^ Clark, Antone (October 15, 2013). “Cox expected to take office as lieutenant governor”. Standard-Examiner. Archived from the original on October 16, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
  64. ^ Romboy, Dennis (November 8, 2013). “GOP names Utah House replacement for Spencer Cox — his fourth cousin”. Deseret News. Archived from the original on November 10, 2013. Retrieved November 9, 2013.
  65. ^ “Utah Election Official Results” (PDF). Utah Secretary of State. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
  66. ^ “2020 Regular Primary Canvass” (PDF). State of Utah.gov. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 18, 2020. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  67. ^ “2020 General Election Canvass” (PDF). Lieutenant Governor of Utah. November 23, 2020. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 10, 2020. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
Utah House of Representatives
Preceded by

 Member of the Utah House of Representatives
from the 58th district
2013		Succeeded by

Political offices
Preceded by

 Lieutenant Governor of Utah
2013–2021		Succeeded by

Preceded by

 Governor of Utah
2021–present		Incumbent
Preceded by

 Chair of the National Governors Association
2023–2024		Succeeded by

Party political offices
Preceded by

 Republican nominee for Governor of Utah
2020, 2024		Most recent
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by

as Vice President

Order of precedence of the United States
Within Utah		Succeeded by

Mayor of city
in which event is held
Succeeded by

Otherwise Mike Johnson

as Speaker of the House

Preceded by

as Governor of Wyoming

Order of precedence of the United States
Outside Utah		Succeeded by

as Governor of Oklahoma


source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spencer_Cox_(politician)