Summary
Expect a crowded GOP field for the open seat in Utah, which hasn’t elected a Democratic governor since Scott Matheson in 1980.
We rate the race for governor in Utah as Solid Republican.
Politico 4/19/20
OnAir Post: UT 2020 Governor Race
Spencer Cox
Current Position: Lt. Governor since 2014
Affiliation: Republican
Candidate: 2020 Governor
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. I’m running for Governor because I believe Utah’s best days are ahead of us. And having served as Lieutenant Governor during the most prosperous decade in our state’s history, I’ve seen firsthand what it takes to build a strong, vibrant economy in the wake of economic disaster. I’m confident that with the right leadership, we will do it again.
As our state continues to implement our plan for health and economic recovery, Lt. Governor Spencer Cox and Senator Deidre Henderson propose a seven-point plan to increase Utah’s long-term resiliency and prosperity. Spencer is Utah’s homegrown candidate for governor, and his administration will make Utah our country’s most financially sound and self-sufficient state.
For more information, go to Spencer Cox post.
Chris Peterson
Current Position: Law Professor
Affiliation: Democrat
Candidate: 2020 Governor
I’m running for governor because I want to fight for working people. Despite Utah’s successes, too many of our families are still struggling to get by. Every Utahn deserves access to affordable health care, a great education, clean air, and a government that respects public opinion.
Like many of you, I am frustrated by a state government that too often ignores the public. The Utah Constitution says, “Each bill passed by the Legislature, before it becomes a law, shall be presented to the governor.” This check and balance in Utah is broken. Bills are rubber stamped and often approved without listening to the voices of ordinary Utahns.
For more information, go to Chris Peterson post.
Issues
Governance
Spencer Cox
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.
Chris Peterson
Every Utahn deserves to be treated with honesty and fairness in organizing their finances. Utah government has a responsibility to ensure that predatory businesses do not prey on working families. And honest businesses deserve a marketplace that is free from unfair competition.
Putting a stop to gerrymandering and political corruption.
Utahns voted for Proposition 4, creating a strong, independent redistricting commission to create fair and balanced legislative districts. I support fully respecting the will of voters and will insist that voters chose their representatives—not the other way around. We also need limits on campaign contributions.
Civil Rights
Spencer Cox
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)”
Chris Peterson
N/A
Democracy
Spencer Cox
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.
Chris Peterson
N/A
Economy
Spencer Cox
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.
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.
Chris Peterson
Standing up for Utah’s workers.
Workers deserve good jobs, fair wages, and humane working conditions. Too many Utahns work hard, but cannot keep up with the rising cost of living. I will fight to ensure that Utah’s economy works for working families.
Helping small businesses succeed.
Small business is the foundation of Utah’s economy. Our small businesses need a level playing field and access to financing. I will work to expand financing opportunities for small and mid-sized businesses, cut unnecessary red-tape, and create incentives to invest in research and development, training, and employee capacity.
Growing rural Utah and family farms.
Family farms and ranches are an important part of Utah’s economy and culture. I will work to ensure that economic development and changing technology works to enhance and preserve this way of life. Utah government should use clean energy, technology sector jobs, and other resources to build our rural communities.
Utah should continue to lead the way on the development of the technology sector. Utah government should leverage our growing population, quality of life, and educated workforce to build an economy of the future.
Education
Spencer Cox
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.
Chris Peterson
N/A
Environment
Spencer Cox
N/A
Chris Peterson
Responsible environmental stewardship and clean air.
The Wasatch Front has some of the poorest air quality in the nation. Our children, families, and businesses need clean air to thrive. I will fight to reduce air pollution and transition to a clean energy future. Our national and state parks, forests, and wilderness areas are a heritage we should preserve for all.
Health Care
Spencer Cox
Expanding access to affordable health care.
In civilized society, all people deserve access to affordable health care. Health care is a basic human right.
Chris Peterson
N/A
