Governor of Utah

Spencer Cox

Republican · Utah

18th Governor of Utah, in office since 2021. Former Lieutenant Governor and county commissioner. Known for his campaign ad with his Democratic opponent calling for civility. Chair of the National Governors Association. Re-elected in 2024.

Record

Moderate conservative known for civility and bipartisanship amid Utah's booming growth. Manages Utah's severe water shortage as the Silicon Slopes tech hub expands. Balances social conservatism with pragmatic governance and tone focused on reducing political division.

Legislative Record

Recently signed into law

• UT HB 77 — Flag Display Restriction (Became Law Without Signature) (Enacted, Mar 28, 2025)
  First-in-the-nation law restricting unofficial flags — including Pride and political flags — from display at public schools and government buildings. Cox allowed the bill to become law without signing, stating Utahns are 'tired of culture war bills.'
• UT HB 300 — Amendments to Election Law (End of Universal Mail-Ballot System) (Signed into law, Mar 26, 2025)
  Phases out Utah's universal vote-by-mail system: registered voters must opt in every 8 years to receive a mail-in ballot, and ballots must be received by county clerks before 8 p.m. on Election Day. Effective May 7, 2025; full transition by 2029.
• UT HB 269 — Public University Sex-Designated Dormitory Rooms (Signed into law, Feb 14, 2025)
  Requires Utah public colleges and universities to assign dorm rooms by biological sex; institutions must provide gender-neutral options for students who cannot or will not be assigned by sex.

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