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Spencer Cox

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Spencer Cox

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. 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, which he confirmed would be his last, even though Utah has no term limits on governorships.

Infobox

Lieutenant
Deidre Henderson
Preceded by
Stephen Sandstrom
Succeeded by
Jon Cox
Governor
Gary Herbert
Born
Spencer James Cox (1975-07-11) July 11, 1975 (age 50)Mount Pleasant, Utah, U.S.
Political party
Republican
Spouse
mw- Abby Palmer (m. 1996)
Children
4
Residence
Governor's Mansion
Education
Snow College (AA)Utah State University (BA)Washington and Lee University (JD)
Website
Office websiteCampaign website
Party
Republican

Tables

2016 Utah gubernatorial election[68] · Electoral history
Total votes
Total votes
Party
Total votes
Party
1,125,035
Candidate
100.0%
Votes
N/A
Party
Candidate
Votes
%
mw- ±%
Republican
Gary Herbert/Spencer Cox (incumbent)
750,850
66.74%
−1.67%
Democratic
Mike Weinholtz/Kim Bowman
323,349
28.74%
+1.16%
Libertarian
Brian Kamerath/Barry Short
34,827
3.10%
+0.85%
Independent American
Superdell Schanze/Gregory Duerden
15,912
1.41%
N/A
Independent
Brown (write-in)
97
0.01%
N/A
Total votes
1,125,035
100.0%
N/A
Republican hold
2020 Republican gubernatorial primary[69] · Electoral history
Total votes
Total votes
Party
Total votes
Party
527,178
Candidate
100.00%
Party
Candidate
Votes
%
Republican
Spencer Cox
190,565
36.15%
Republican
Jon Huntsman Jr.
184,246
34.95%
Republican
Greg Hughes
110,835
21.02%
Republican
Thomas Wright
41,532
7.88%
Total votes
527,178
100.00%
2020 Utah gubernatorial election[70] · Electoral history
Total votes
Total votes
Party
Total votes
Party
1,458,878
Candidate
100.00%
Party
Candidate
Votes
%
±%
Republican
Spencer Cox
918,754
62.98%
−3.76%
Democratic
Christopher Peterson
442,754
30.35%
+1.61%
Libertarian
Daniel Cottam
51,393
3.52%
+0.42%
Independent American
Gregory Duerden
25,810
1.77%
+0.36%
Write-in
20,167
1.38%
+1.37%
Total votes
1,458,878
100.00%
Republican hold
2024 Utah gubernatorial election[71] · Electoral history
Total votes
Total votes
Party
Total votes
Party
1,477,457
Candidate
100.00%
Party
Candidate
Votes
%
±%
Republican
Spencer Cox (incumbent)Deidre Henderson (incumbent)
781,431
52.89%
−10.09
Democratic
Brian KingRebekah Cummings
420,514
28.63%
−1.72
Write-In
Phil LymanNatalie Clawson
200,551
13.57%
N/A
Libertarian
J. Robert LathamBarry Evan Short
41,164
2.79%
−0.73
Independent American
Tommy WilliamsArchie Williams
27,480
1.86%
+0.09
Independent
Tom TomenyWilliam Lansing Taylor
5,792
0.39%
N/A
Write-In
Charlie TautuaaSylvia Miera Fisk
525
0.04%
N/A
Total votes
1,477,457
100.00%
Republican hold
· External links
Political offices
Political offices
Utah House of Representatives
Political offices
Preceded byGreg Bell
Preceded byGreg Bell
Utah House of Representatives
Preceded byGreg Bell
Utah House of Representatives
Lieutenant Governor of Utah 2013–2021
Utah House of Representatives
Succeeded byDeidre Henderson
Preceded byGary Herbert
Preceded byGary Herbert
Utah House of Representatives
Preceded byGary Herbert
Utah House of Representatives
Governor of Utah 2021–present
Utah House of Representatives
Incumbent
Preceded byPhil Murphy
Preceded byPhil Murphy
Utah House of Representatives
Preceded byPhil Murphy
Utah House of Representatives
Chair of the National Governors Association 2023–2024
Utah House of Representatives
Succeeded byJared Polis
Party political offices
Party political offices
Utah House of Representatives
Party political offices
Preceded byGary Herbert
Preceded byGary Herbert
Utah House of Representatives
Preceded byGary Herbert
Utah House of Representatives
Republican nominee for Governor of Utah 2020, 2024
Utah House of Representatives
Most recent
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Utah House of Representatives
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded byJD Vanceas Vice President
Preceded byJD Vanceas Vice President
Utah House of Representatives
Preceded byJD Vanceas Vice President
Utah House of Representatives
Order of precedence of the United States Within Utah
Utah House of Representatives
Succeeded byMayor of cityin which event is held
Succeeded byOtherwise Mike Johnsonas Speaker of the House
Succeeded byOtherwise Mike Johnsonas Speaker of the House
Utah House of Representatives
Succeeded byOtherwise Mike Johnsonas Speaker of the House
Preceded byMark Gordonas Governor of Wyoming
Preceded byMark Gordonas Governor of Wyoming
Utah House of Representatives
Preceded byMark Gordonas Governor of Wyoming
Utah House of Representatives
Order of precedence of the United States Outside Utah
Utah House of Representatives
Succeeded byKevin Stittas Governor of Oklahoma
Utah House of Representatives
Preceded byStephen Sandstrom
Member of the Utah House of Representativesfrom the 58th district 2013
Succeeded byJon Cox
Political offices
Preceded byGreg Bell
Lieutenant Governor of Utah 2013–2021
Succeeded byDeidre Henderson
Preceded byGary Herbert
Governor of Utah 2021–present
Incumbent
Preceded byPhil Murphy
Chair of the National Governors Association 2023–2024
Succeeded byJared Polis
Party political offices
Preceded byGary Herbert
Republican nominee for Governor of Utah 2020, 2024
Most recent
order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded byJD Vanceas Vice President
Order of precedence of the United States Within Utah
Succeeded byMayor of cityin which event is held
Succeeded byOtherwise Mike Johnsonas Speaker of the House
Preceded byMark Gordonas Governor of Wyoming
Order of precedence of the United States Outside Utah
Succeeded byKevin Stittas Governor of Oklahoma

References

  1. "Sanpete County Commissioners | Sanpete County"
    https://web.archive.org/web/20100401204420/http://sanpete.com/pages/commissioners
  2. "How Cox rose from farm boy to lieutenant-governor-in-waiting"
    http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/57003071-90/cox-spencer-utah-fairview.html.csp
  3. "Utah's new Lt. Governor announced"
    https://fox13now.com/2013/10/08/utahs-new-lt-governor-announced
  4. Deseret News
    https://web.archive.org/web/20140807233425/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865606029/Spencer-Cox-The-lieutenant-governor-who-almost-said-no.html
  5. Daily Herald
    https://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/in-review/article_088a418e-01b4-584b-9004-dcf35ab93ee4.html
  6. The Salt Lake Tribune
    https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=57103108&itype=CMSID
  7. The Salt Lake Tribune
    http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/56974682-78/cox-herbert-governor-state.html.csp
  8. Deseret News
    https://web.archive.org/web/20181205061949/https://www.deseretnews.com/article/865587957/Gov-Gary-Herbert-names-Rep-Spencer-Cox-as-Utahs-new-lieutenant-governor.html
  9. Deseret News
    https://web.archive.org/web/20131019022535/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865588485/Lt-gov-pick-Spencer-Cox-wins-unanimous-approval-from-confirmation-committee.html
  10. Deseret News
    https://web.archive.org/web/20180405215115/https://www.deseretnews.com/article/865588555/Shocked-Spencer-Cox-sworn-in-as-new-lieutenant-governor.html
  11. The Salt Lake Tribune
    https://web.archive.org/web/20140214120920/http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home3/57163170-200/swallow-office-report-resignation.html.csp
  12. The Salt Lake Tribune
    https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2019/05/14/lt-gov-spencer-cox/
  13. "State Board of Canvassers"
    https://web.archive.org/web/20210514145349/https://elections.utah.gov/Media/Default/2016%20Election/2016%20General%20Election%20-%20Statewide%20Canvass%203.pdf
  14. "Here are the reasons Utah Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox says he's running for governor in 2020"
    https://web.archive.org/web/20190716175239/https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900070594/spencer-cox-2020-utah-governor-race.html
  15. TheHill
    https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/504873-cox-wins-gop-primary-to-replace-utah-gov-gary-herbert
  16. Deseret News
    https://www.deseret.com/utah/2020/11/3/21541344/election-results-governor-spencer-cox-replacing-gary-herbert-chris-peterson
  17. Deseret News
    https://www.deseret.com/utah/2021/1/4/22213372/spencer-cox-governor-inauguration-oath-of-office-utah-st-george-deidre-henderson
  18. The Salt Lake Tribune
    https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2021/01/03/utahs-incoming-gov/
  19. The Salt Lake Tribune
    https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2021/04/16/here-are-five-things-utah/
  20. The Salt Lake Tribune
    https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2020/09/07/opponents-spencer-cox/
  21. governor.utah.gov
    https://governor.utah.gov/2022/07/15/gov-spencer-cox-elected-vice-chair-of-the-national-governors-association/
  22. BBC
    https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65060733
  23. NPR
    https://www.npr.org/2023/03/24/1165764450/utahs-new-social-media-law-means-children-will-need-approval-from-parents
  24. The New York Times
    https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/23/technology/utah-social-media-law-tiktok-instagram.html
  25. The Salt Lake Tribune
    https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2021/03/23/utah-gov-spencer-cox/
  26. Utah State Legislature
    https://le.utah.gov/~2021/bills/static/SB0039.html
  27. Utah State Legislature
    https://le.utah.gov/~2021/bills/static/SB0187.html
  28. Utah State Legislature
    https://le.utah.gov/~2021/bills/static/HB0098.html
  29. KSTU
    https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/utah-legislature-considers-special-session-override-of-transgender-sports-bill-veto
  30. The New York Times
    https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/25/us/utah-transgender-athlete-ban-override.html
  31. Deseret News
    https://www.deseret.com/utah/2023/7/11/23790191/poll-utah-gov-spencer-cox-continues-to-enjoy-strong-approval-rating
  32. FOX News
    https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/marjorie-taylor-greene-national-divorce-proposal-utah-governor-response-evil
  33. "Presidential candidate Marco Rubio visiting Utah Monday"
    https://fox13now.com/2015/10/19/presidential-candidate-marco-rubio-visiting-utah-monday/
  34. "Utah's Lt. Gov. endorses Ted Cruz, condemns Trump's comments on Romney"
    http://kutv.com/news/local/utahs-lt-gov-endorses-ted-cruz-condemns-trumps-comments-on-romney
  35. "Trump's Appeal With Mormons To Be Tested In Utah"
    http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2016/03/19/trumps-appeal-with-mormons-to-be-tested-in-utah/
  36. "GOP presidential debate in SLC canceled"
    https://fox13now.com/2016/03/16/gop-presidential-primary-debate-scheduled-for-next-week-has-been-canceled/
  37. "Gov. Spencer Cox Said President Trump Incited Violence at Capitol, Defends Past Support"
    https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2021-01-08/gov-spencer-cox-said-president-trump-incited-violence-at-capitol-defends-past-support
  38. Time
    https://time.com/6206233/spencer-cox-utah-governor-interview/
  39. FOX 13 News Utah (KSTU)
    https://www.fox13now.com/news/politics/gov-cox-changes-course-will-now-endorse-former-president-donald-trump
  40. Newsweek
    https://www.newsweek.com/utah-spencer-cox-abortion-slavery-1481791
  41. The Daily Utah Chronicle
    https://dailyutahchronicle.com/2020/01/25/spencer-cox-comments-on-abortion/
  42. "Utah politicians react to Roe v Wade bombshell; Cox, Henderson, Romney, Lee express support for draft opinion, decry historic leak | Gephardt Daily"
    https://gephardtdaily.com/local/utah-politicians-react-to-roe-v-wade-bombshell-cox-henderson-romney-lee-express-support-for-draft-opinion-decry-historic-leak/
  43. Governor Spencer J. Cox
    https://governor.utah.gov/2022/06/24/supreme-court-ruling/
  44. ABC News
    https://abcnews.go.com/Health/utah-governor-signs-bill-banning-abortion-clinics-state/story?id=97905012
  45. CNN
    https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/03/politics/utah-judge-abortion-clinic/index.html
  46. "Federal judge tosses Utah lawsuit seeking to shrink Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante monuments"
    https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2023/08/11/federal-judge-tosses-utah-lawsuit/
  47. The Skyline Horizon
    https://skylinehorizon.org/news/utah-governor-signs-law-to-allow-unpermitted-gun-carry/
  48. Deseret News
    https://www.deseret.com/utah/2022/6/16/23171341/spencer-cox-asking-utah-lawmakers-keep-open-mind-gun-reform-school-shooting-uvalde-red-flag-law
  49. BBC
    https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gmggp2y99o
  50. NBC News
    https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/utah-bans-fluoride-public-water-rcna193917
  51. New York Times
    https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/17/us/utah-republican-is-unlikely-star-at-lgbt-vigil-for-orlando.html
  52. "'My Heart Has Changed': Utah Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox Apologizes To LGBT Community"
    https://www.npr.org/2016/06/15/482206214/my-heart-has-changed-utah-lt-gov-spencer-cox-apologizes-to-lgbt-community
  53. "Lt. Gov. Cox speaks at vigil for Orlando: 'My heart has changed' (transcript)"
    https://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=40209267&nid=148&title=lt-gov-cox-speaks-at-vigil-for-orlando-my-heart-has-changed
  54. The Daily Utah Chronicle
    https://dailyutahchronicle.com/2019/03/08/lgbtq-youth-sat-in-front-of-governors-office-demanding-an-apology-they-got-one/
  55. "Amelia, I am so sorry that you are hurting"
    https://x.com/spencerjcox/status/1103652548169261056
  56. "Conservative group shares misleading video of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox listing his pronouns"
    https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2022/04/06/conservative-group-posts/
  57. Governor Spencer J. Cox
    https://governor.utah.gov/2022/03/24/gov-cox-why-im-vetoing-hb11/
  58. Human Rights Campaign
    https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/breaking-human-rights-campaign-commends-republican-gov-spencer-cox-for-vetoing-anti-trans-sports-ban
  59. KSTU
    https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/utahs-governor-issues-proclamation-marking-lgbtq-pride-month
  60. The Salt Lake Tribune
    https://stateofreform.com/featured/2023/01/utah-governor-signs-sb-16-into-law-banning-gender-affirming-procedures-on-minors/
  61. "Utah Governor Signs Conversion Therapy Ban Into Law"
    https://www.advocate.com/news/conversion-therapy-utah-ban-governor
  62. "Utah Legislature codifies ban on conversion therapy while addressing therapists' concerns"
    https://www.deseret.com/utah/2023/2/17/23604347/conversion-therapy-ban-lgbt-utah-bill/
  63. "Utah's attacks on Olympic boxer's gender call future host's inclusivity into question"
    https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/08/05/utah-governor-attack-khelif-olympic-women-boxing
  64. "Cox, Lee, Schultz, Adams spread misconceptions about Olympic boxer's sex"
    https://www.ksl.com/article/51091794/cox-lee-schultz-adams-spread-misconceptions-about-olympic-boxers-sex
  65. Standard-Examiner
    http://www.standard.net/stories/2013/10/15/cox-expected-take-office-lieutenant-governor
  66. Deseret News
    https://web.archive.org/web/20131110195925/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865590226/GOP-names-Utah-House-replacement-for-Spencer-Cox-2-his-fourth-cousin.html
  67. Deseret News
    https://www.deseret.com/politics/2024/09/24/cox-governors-gala-2024/
  68. "Utah Election Official Results"
    https://elections.utah.gov/Media/Default/2016%20Election/2016%20General%20Election%20-%20Statewide%20Canvass%203.pdf
  69. State of Utah.gov
    https://voteinfo.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2020/07/2020-Primary-Election-Canvass.pdf
  70. Lieutenant Governor of Utah
    https://web.archive.org/web/20201210061943/https://voteinfo.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2020/11/2020-General-Election-Canvass.pdf
  71. enhancedvoting.com
    https://app.enhancedvoting.com/results/public/utah/elections/general11052024
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