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{{Short description| |
{{Short description|Governor of Utah since 2021}} | ||
{{about|the politician|the HIV/AIDS activist|Spencer Cox (activist)}} | {{about|the politician|the HIV/AIDS activist|Spencer Cox (activist)}} | ||
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2019}} | {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2019}} | ||
{{Infobox officeholder | {{Infobox officeholder | ||
| name = Spencer Cox | | name = Spencer Cox | ||
| image = |
| image = Spencer Cox at the Economic Club of Washington D.C. (53545313288).jpg | ||
| caption = Cox in 2024 | |||
| order = 18th ] | | order = 18th ] | ||
| lieutenant = ] | | lieutenant = ] | ||
Line 12: | Line 12: | ||
| predecessor = ] | | predecessor = ] | ||
| successor = | | successor = | ||
| office1 = |
| office1 = Chair of the ] | ||
| term_start1 = July |
| term_start1 = July 14, 2023 | ||
| term_end1 = | | term_end1 = July 12, 2024 | ||
| predecessor1 = ] | | predecessor1 = ] | ||
| successor1 = | | successor1 = ] | ||
| |
| office2 = 8th ] | ||
| |
| governor2 = ] | ||
| term_start2 = October 16, 2013 | | term_start2 = October 16, 2013 | ||
| term_end2 = January 4, 2021 | | term_end2 = January 4, 2021 | ||
| predecessor2 = ] | | predecessor2 = ] | ||
| successor2 = Deidre Henderson | | successor2 = Deidre Henderson | ||
| office2 = 8th ] | |||
| governor2 = ] | |||
| state_house3 = Utah | | state_house3 = Utah | ||
| district3 = 58th | | district3 = 58th | ||
⚫ | | successor3 = ] | ||
⚫ | | predecessor3 = ] | ||
| term_start3 = January 1, 2013 | | term_start3 = January 1, 2013 | ||
| term_end3 = October 16, 2013 | | term_end3 = October 16, 2013 | ||
⚫ | | predecessor3 = ] | ||
⚫ | | successor3 = ] | ||
| birth_name = Spencer James Cox | |||
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1975|7|11}} | | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1975|7|11}} | ||
| birth_place = ], U.S. | | birth_place = ], U.S. | ||
Line 39: | Line 38: | ||
| children = 4 | | children = 4 | ||
| residence = ] | | residence = ] | ||
| education = ] (])<br |
| education = ] (])<br>] (])<br>] (]) | ||
| |
| signature = Spencer J. Cox Signature.png | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Spencer James Cox''' (born July 11, 1975) is an American lawyer and politician serving as the 18th ] since 2021. A member of the ], he served as the eighth ] from 2013 to 2021. | '''Spencer James Cox''' (born July 11, 1975) is an American lawyer and politician serving as the 18th ] since 2021. A member of the ], he served as the eighth ] from 2013 to 2021. In ], where Cox lives and was raised, he was elected to the ] in 2004 and then as ] in 2005. In 2008, he was elected as a ] ]er.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sanpete.com/pages/commissioners |title=Sanpete County Commissioners | Sanpete County |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401204420/http://sanpete.com/pages/commissioners |access-date=December 15, 2019|archive-date=April 1, 2010 }}</ref> | ||
Cox was raised and lives in ]. He was elected to the ] in 2004 and ] the next year. After overseeing rural economic development in Fairview, Cox was elected a ]er for ] in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sanpete.com/pages/commissioners |title=Sanpete County Commissioners | Sanpete County |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401204420/http://sanpete.com/pages/commissioners |access-date=December 15, 2019|archive-date=April 1, 2010 }}</ref> He was elected to the ] in 2012. | |||
⚫ | In October 2013, Governor ] |
||
⚫ | He was elected to the ] in 2012. In October 2013, Governor ] appointed Cox to replace ] as lieutenant governor; he was confirmed unanimously by the ]. Cox was elected to the lieutenant governorship as Herbert's running mate in 2016, and was ] He was reelected to a second term in ]. | ||
Cox has been described as a moderate or social liberal, a stance that has earned him critics on the Republican Party's right wing.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Red-State Governor Who's Not Afraid to Be 'Woke' |url=https://time.com/6206233/spencer-cox-utah-governor-interview/ |website=Time |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Romboy |first1=Dennis |title=Tucker Carlson blasts Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, Sen. Mitt Romney |url=https://www.ksl.com/article/50383772/tucker-carlson-blasts-utah-gov-spencer-cox-sen-mitt-romney |website=www.deseret.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Utah’s Governor Spencer Cox Has a Lot of Explaining to Do |url=https://www.nationalreview.com/2022/04/utahs-governor-spencer-cox-has-a-lot-of-explaining-to-do/ |website=National Review |date=6 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
==Early life and education== | ==Early life and education== | ||
Cox was raised in |
Cox was raised in ]; he graduated from ]. He enrolled at ] and completed a ] to ] for ] 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 ], he attended ] (USU), graduating in 1998 with a ] in ].<ref name="farmboy" /> At USU, Cox was named Student of the Year and graduated with a 4.0 ]. | ||
Cox was |
Cox was accepted by ] but instead chose to enroll at ]. He was a member of the '']'' and graduated in 2001 with a ] with honors.<ref name="farmboy" /><ref name="fox">{{cite web|url=http://fox13now.com/2013/10/08/utahs-new-lt-governor-announced|title=Utah's new Lt. Governor announced|last=Wells|first=David|date=October 8, 2013|publisher=FOX13Now.com|access-date=October 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012052400/http://fox13now.com/2013/10/08/utahs-new-lt-governor-announced/|archive-date=October 12, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
== Career == | == Career == | ||
=== Early legal work === | === Early legal work === | ||
After law school, Cox was a ] for judge ] of the ]. After his clerkship, Cox joined Fabian and Clendenin, a ] law firm. He returned to rural Utah and became a vice president of ].<ref name=":0">{{cite news|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865606029/Spencer-Cox-The-lieutenant-governor-who-almost-said-no.html|title=Spencer Cox: The lieutenant governor who almost said no|first=Doug|last=Robinson|work=Deseret News|date=June 29, 2014|access-date=August 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140807233425/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865606029/Spencer-Cox-The-lieutenant-governor-who-almost-said-no.html|archive-date=August 7, 2014|url-status= |
After law school, Cox was a ] for judge ] of the ]. After his clerkship, Cox joined Fabian and Clendenin, a ] law firm. He returned to rural Utah and became a vice president of ].<ref name=":0">{{cite news|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865606029/Spencer-Cox-The-lieutenant-governor-who-almost-said-no.html|title=Spencer Cox: The lieutenant governor who almost said no|first=Doug|last=Robinson|work=Deseret News|date=June 29, 2014|access-date=August 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140807233425/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865606029/Spencer-Cox-The-lieutenant-governor-who-almost-said-no.html|archive-date=August 7, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
=== Political career=== | === Political career=== | ||
Cox was elected as a city councilor of Fairview, Utah in 2004,<ref name=fox/> and mayor the next year. In 2008, he was elected as a Sanpete County commissioner.<ref>{{cite web |work=Daily Herald |url=https://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/in-review/article_088a418e-01b4-584b-9004-dcf35ab93ee4.html |title=2008 In Review | Local News |publisher=heraldextra.com |date=December 31, 2008 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602050114/https://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/in-review/article_088a418e-01b4-584b-9004-dcf35ab93ee4.html |archive-date=June 2, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |work=The Salt Lake Tribune |url=https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=57103108&itype=CMSID |title=Delegates trade one Cox for another for Utah House seat |date=November 8, 2013 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114082615/http://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=57103108&itype=CMSID |archive-date=November 14, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=farmboy/> Cox was elected to the Utah House of Representatives in 2012 and became the first member to call for the ] of ], the ], over violations of ] laws.<ref name=sltrib>{{cite news |first=Robert |last=Gehrke |url=http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/56974682-78/cox-herbert-governor-state.html.csp |title=Herbert picks state Rep. Spencer Cox as new lieutenant governor |work=The Salt Lake Tribune |date=October 8, 2013 |access-date=October 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012184548/http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/56974682-78/cox-herbert-governor-state.html.csp |archive-date=October 12, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Cox and Lieutenant Governor Bell served as co-chairs of Governor Herbert's Rural Partnership Board.<ref name=deseret>{{cite news |first=Lisa Riley |last=Roche |url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865587957/Gov-Gary-Herbert-names-Rep-Spencer-Cox-as-Utahs-new-lieutenant-governor.html |title=Gov. Herbert names Rep. Spencer Cox new lieutenant governor |work=Deseret News |date=October 8, 2013 |access-date=October 16, 2013 |archive-url=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 |archive-date=December 5, 2018 |url-status= |
Cox was elected as a city councilor of Fairview, Utah in 2004,<ref name=fox/> and mayor the next year. In 2008, he was elected as a Sanpete County commissioner.<ref>{{cite web |work=Daily Herald |url=https://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/in-review/article_088a418e-01b4-584b-9004-dcf35ab93ee4.html |title=2008 In Review | Local News |publisher=heraldextra.com |date=December 31, 2008 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602050114/https://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/in-review/article_088a418e-01b4-584b-9004-dcf35ab93ee4.html |archive-date=June 2, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |work=The Salt Lake Tribune |url=https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=57103108&itype=CMSID |title=Delegates trade one Cox for another for Utah House seat |date=November 8, 2013 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114082615/http://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=57103108&itype=CMSID |archive-date=November 14, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=farmboy/> Cox was elected to the Utah House of Representatives in 2012 and became the first member to call for the ] of ], the ], over violations of ] laws.<ref name=sltrib>{{cite news |first=Robert |last=Gehrke |url=http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/56974682-78/cox-herbert-governor-state.html.csp |title=Herbert picks state Rep. Spencer Cox as new lieutenant governor |work=The Salt Lake Tribune |date=October 8, 2013 |access-date=October 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012184548/http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/56974682-78/cox-herbert-governor-state.html.csp |archive-date=October 12, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Cox and Lieutenant Governor Bell served as co-chairs of Governor Herbert's Rural Partnership Board.<ref name=deseret>{{cite news |first=Lisa Riley |last=Roche |url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865587957/Gov-Gary-Herbert-names-Rep-Spencer-Cox-as-Utahs-new-lieutenant-governor.html |title=Gov. Herbert names Rep. Spencer Cox new lieutenant governor |work=Deseret News |date=October 8, 2013 |access-date=October 16, 2013 |archive-url=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 |archive-date=December 5, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | ||
=== Lieutenant governor of Utah === | === Lieutenant governor of Utah === | ||
In October 2013, Herbert selected Cox to succeed Bell as lieutenant governor following Bell's resignation.<ref name=deseret/> The Utah Senate's Government Operations Confirmation Committee unanimously approved his nomination on October 15.<ref name=committee>{{cite news |first=Lisa Riley |last=Roche |url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865588485/Lt-gov-pick-Spencer-Cox-wins-unanimous-approval-from-confirmation-committee.html |title=Lt. gov. pick Spencer Cox wins unanimous approval from confirmation committee |work=Deseret News |date=October 15, 2013 |access-date=October 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019022535/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865588485/Lt-gov-pick-Spencer-Cox-wins-unanimous-approval-from-confirmation-committee.html |archive-date=October 19, 2013 |url-status= |
In October 2013, Herbert selected Cox to succeed Bell as lieutenant governor following Bell's resignation.<ref name=deseret/> The Utah Senate's Government Operations Confirmation Committee unanimously approved his nomination on October 15.<ref name=committee>{{cite news |first=Lisa Riley |last=Roche |url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865588485/Lt-gov-pick-Spencer-Cox-wins-unanimous-approval-from-confirmation-committee.html |title=Lt. gov. pick Spencer Cox wins unanimous approval from confirmation committee |work=Deseret News |date=October 15, 2013 |access-date=October 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019022535/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865588485/Lt-gov-pick-Spencer-Cox-wins-unanimous-approval-from-confirmation-committee.html |archive-date=October 19, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The next day, the full Utah Senate confirmed him unanimously and he was sworn in.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865588555/Shocked-Spencer-Cox-sworn-in-as-new-lieutenant-governor.html|title='Shocked' Spencer Cox sworn in as new lieutenant governor|first=Lisa Riley|last=Roche|work=Deseret News|date=October 16, 2013|access-date=October 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405215115/https://www.deseretnews.com/article/865588555/Shocked-Spencer-Cox-sworn-in-as-new-lieutenant-governor.html|archive-date=April 5, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home3/57163170-200/swallow-office-report-resignation.html.csp|title=Swallow resigns, proclaiming innocence: 'Time for the madness to stop'|first=Robert|last=Gehrke|work=The Salt Lake Tribune|date=November 22, 2013|access-date=September 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214120920/http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home3/57163170-200/swallow-office-report-resignation.html.csp|archive-date=February 14, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
In the ], Cox was elected to a full term as lieutenant governor as Herbert's running mate.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2019/05/14/lt-gov-spencer-cox/|title=Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox announces he is running for Utah governor, vows a 'different,' positive campaign|website=The Salt Lake Tribune|access-date=September 22, 2019|archive-date=July 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724073542/https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2019/05/14/lt-gov-spencer-cox/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://elections.utah.gov/Media/Default/2016%20Election/2016%20General%20Election%20-%20Statewide%20Canvass%203.pdf |title= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514145349/https://elections.utah.gov/Media/Default/2016%20Election/2016%20General%20Election%20-%20Statewide%20Canvass%203.pdf |archive-date=May 14, 2021}}</ref> | In the ], Cox was elected to a full term as lieutenant governor as Herbert's running mate.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2019/05/14/lt-gov-spencer-cox/|title=Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox announces he is running for Utah governor, vows a 'different,' positive campaign|website=The Salt Lake Tribune|access-date=September 22, 2019|archive-date=July 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724073542/https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2019/05/14/lt-gov-spencer-cox/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://elections.utah.gov/Media/Default/2016%20Election/2016%20General%20Election%20-%20Statewide%20Canvass%203.pdf |title=State Board of Canvassers |language=en |access-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514145349/https://elections.utah.gov/Media/Default/2016%20Election/2016%20General%20Election%20-%20Statewide%20Canvass%203.pdf |archive-date=May 14, 2021}}</ref> | ||
== Governor of Utah == | == Governor of Utah == | ||
{{see also|2020 Utah gubernatorial election}} | {{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 ] in ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900070594/spencer-cox-2020-utah-governor-race.html |title=Here are the reasons Utah Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox says he's running for governor in 2020 |publisher=Deseret News |date=May 14, 2019 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716175239/https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900070594/spencer-cox-2020-utah-governor-race.html |archive-date=July 16, 2019 |url-status= |
On May 14, 2019, after Herbert announced that he would not seek reelection, Cox announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for ] in ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900070594/spencer-cox-2020-utah-governor-race.html |title=Here are the reasons Utah Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox says he's running for governor in 2020 |publisher=Deseret News |date=May 14, 2019 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716175239/https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900070594/spencer-cox-2020-utah-governor-race.html |archive-date=July 16, 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> With 36% of the vote in the primary, he defeated former governor ], former Utah GOP chair ], and former Utah House speaker ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/504873-cox-wins-gop-primary-to-replace-utah-gov-gary-herbert|title=Spencer Cox defeats Jon Huntsman in Utah GOP governor primary|first=Tal|last=Axelrod|date=July 6, 2020|website=TheHill|access-date=July 6, 2020|archive-date=July 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707011656/https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/504873-cox-wins-gop-primary-to-replace-utah-gov-gary-herbert|url-status=live}}</ref> In the general election, Cox defeated the ] nominee, ], 63% to 30%.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deseret.com/utah/2020/11/3/21541344/election-results-governor-spencer-cox-replacing-gary-herbert-chris-peterson|title=Spencer Cox says he'll be governor for all of Utah as Peterson concedes race|first=Lisa Riley|last=Roche|date=November 3, 2020|website=Deseret News|access-date=November 5, 2020|archive-date=November 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104170021/https://www.deseret.com/utah/2020/11/3/21541344/election-results-governor-spencer-cox-replacing-gary-herbert-chris-peterson|url-status=live}}</ref> In a break with tradition, Cox's January 4, 2021, inauguration (with precautions against the ]) was held at the ] in ], 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 ] region.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deseret.com/utah/2021/1/4/22213372/spencer-cox-governor-inauguration-oath-of-office-utah-st-george-deidre-henderson|title=Spencer Cox, Utah's 18th governor, says state's greatest days lie ahead|first=Katie|last=McKellar|date=January 4, 2021|website=Deseret News|access-date=March 3, 2021|archive-date=January 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130020525/https://www.deseret.com/utah/2021/1/4/22213372/spencer-cox-governor-inauguration-oath-of-office-utah-st-george-deidre-henderson|url-status=live}}</ref> Within days of his inauguration, he opened an office on ]'s ] campus.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Rodgers|first=Bethany|date=January 3, 2021|title=Utah's incoming Gov. Spencer Cox faces challenges on vaccinations, education|url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2021/01/03/utahs-incoming-gov/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-29|website=The Salt Lake Tribune|language=en-US|archive-date=June 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629071346/https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2021/01/03/utahs-incoming-gov/}}</ref> | ||
Cox said early on that increasing the speed of the state's vaccine distribution was his administration's top priority. Utah |
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 ] data.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Stevens|first1=Taylor|last2=Rodgers|first2=Bethany|date=April 16, 2021|title=Here are five things Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said he would do in his first 100 days. Did he do them?|url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2021/04/16/here-are-five-things-utah/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-29|website=The Salt Lake Tribune|language=en-US|archive-date=June 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629071344/https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2021/04/16/here-are-five-things-utah/}}</ref> In 2020, during the ], 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 ] order, which was later canceled.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Rodgers|first=Bethany|date=September 7, 2020|title=Opponents of Spencer Cox wait for audit of no-bid contracts|url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2020/09/07/opponents-spencer-cox/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-29|website=The Salt Lake Tribune|language=en-US|archive-date=June 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629071345/https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2020/09/07/opponents-spencer-cox/}}</ref> | ||
In July 2022, Cox was elected vice chair of the ], succeeding New Jersey Governor ], who was voted chair.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 July 2022 |title=Gov. Cox elected vice chair of NGA |url=https://governor.utah.gov/2022/07/15/gov-spencer-cox-elected-vice-chair-of-the-national-governors-association/ |access-date=2022-08-24 |website=governor.utah.gov |location=Portland, Maine |language=en}}</ref> In March 2023, Cox signed two bills into law, including the ], which bans social media platforms, such as ], ], and ], from allowing minors to create accounts without parental consent, and blocks children's access during certain hours.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Moshiri |first1=Azadeh |title=Utah is first US state to limit teen social media access |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65060733 |website=BBC |access-date=March 28, 2023 |date=March 24, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-24 |title=Utah's new social media law means children will need approval from parents |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/03/24/1165764450/utahs-new-social-media-law-means-children-will-need-approval-from-parents |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Singer |first=Natasha |date=2023-03-23 |title=Utah Law Could Curb Use of TikTok and Instagram by Children and Teens |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/23/technology/utah-social-media-law-tiktok-instagram.html |access-date=2023-03-28 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> | |||
In 2020, during the ], 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 ] order, which was later canceled.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Rodgers|first=Bethany|date=September 7, 2020|title=Opponents of Spencer Cox wait for audit of no-bid contracts|url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2020/09/07/opponents-spencer-cox/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-29|website=The Salt Lake Tribune|language=en-US|archive-date=June 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629071345/https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2020/09/07/opponents-spencer-cox/}}</ref> | |||
In July 2022, Cox succeeded New Jersey Governor ] as vice chair of the ], as Murphy was elected the new chair.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 July 2022 |title=Gov. Cox elected vice chair of NGA |url=https://governor.utah.gov/2022/07/15/gov-spencer-cox-elected-vice-chair-of-the-national-governors-association/ |access-date=2022-08-24 |website=governor.utah.gov |location=Portland, Maine |language=en}}</ref> | |||
=== Vetoes === | === Vetoes === | ||
Cox has vetoed five bills as of 2022, all of which were Republican-backed ( |
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 ], which sought to regulate the way ] platforms moderate content.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Schott|first=Brian|date=March 23, 2021|title=Utah Gov. Spencer Cox vetoes controversial social media legislation|url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2021/03/23/utah-gov-spencer-cox/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-29|website=The Salt Lake Tribune|language=en-US|archive-date=June 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629071346/https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2021/03/23/utah-gov-spencer-cox/}}</ref> Cox also vetoed Senate Bill 187: Local Education Agency Policies Amendments, sponsored by ]; Senate Bill 39: Hemp Regulation Amendments, sponsored by ]; and House Bill 98: Local Government Building Regulation Amendments, sponsored by ].<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 24, 2021|title=S.B. 39 Hemp Regulation Amendments|url=https://le.utah.gov/~2021/bills/static/SB0039.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-29|website=Utah State Legislature|archive-date=August 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810153824/https://le.utah.gov/~2021/bills/static/SB0039.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=March 24, 2021|title=S.B. 187 Local Education Agency Policies Amendments|url=https://le.utah.gov/~2021/bills/static/SB0187.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-29|website=Utah State Legislature|archive-date=June 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629071353/https://le.utah.gov/~2021/bills/static/SB0187.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=March 24, 2021|title=H.B. 98 Local Government Building Regulation Amendments|url=https://le.utah.gov/~2021/bills/static/HB0098.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-29|website=Utah State Legislature|archive-date=August 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810154340/https://le.utah.gov/~2021/bills/static/HB0098.html}}</ref> |
Cox's first veto was of a bill sponsored by his brother-in-law, Senator ], which sought to regulate the way ] platforms moderate content.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Schott|first=Brian|date=March 23, 2021|title=Utah Gov. Spencer Cox vetoes controversial social media legislation|url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2021/03/23/utah-gov-spencer-cox/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-29|website=The Salt Lake Tribune|language=en-US|archive-date=June 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629071346/https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2021/03/23/utah-gov-spencer-cox/}}</ref> Cox also vetoed Senate Bill 187: Local Education Agency Policies Amendments, sponsored by ]; Senate Bill 39: Hemp Regulation Amendments, sponsored by ]; and House Bill 98: Local Government Building Regulation Amendments, sponsored by ].<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 24, 2021|title=S.B. 39 Hemp Regulation Amendments|url=https://le.utah.gov/~2021/bills/static/SB0039.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-29|website=Utah State Legislature|archive-date=August 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810153824/https://le.utah.gov/~2021/bills/static/SB0039.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=March 24, 2021|title=S.B. 187 Local Education Agency Policies Amendments|url=https://le.utah.gov/~2021/bills/static/SB0187.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-29|website=Utah State Legislature|archive-date=June 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629071353/https://le.utah.gov/~2021/bills/static/SB0187.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=March 24, 2021|title=H.B. 98 Local Government Building Regulation Amendments|url=https://le.utah.gov/~2021/bills/static/HB0098.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-29|website=Utah State Legislature|archive-date=August 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810154340/https://le.utah.gov/~2021/bills/static/HB0098.html}}</ref> | ||
In March 2022, Cox vetoed House Bill 11: Student Eligibility in Interscholastic Activities, sponsored by ], which aimed to prevent ] 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/utah-legislature-considers-special-session-override-of-transgender-sports-bill-veto |title=Utah's governor vetoes transgender sports bill, legislature will override |date=March 22, 2022 |work=KSTU |first=Ben |last=Winslow |access-date=March 23, 2022 |archive-date=March 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322174452/https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/utah-legislature-considers-special-session-override-of-transgender-sports-bill-veto |url-status=live }}</ref> The legislature overrode his veto.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Medina |first=Eduardo |date=2022-03-25 |title=Utah Legislature Overrides Governor's Veto of Transgender Athlete Bill |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/25/us/utah-transgender-athlete-ban-override.html |access-date=2022-03-26 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> | In March 2022, Cox vetoed House Bill 11: Student Eligibility in Interscholastic Activities, sponsored by ], which aimed to prevent ] 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/utah-legislature-considers-special-session-override-of-transgender-sports-bill-veto |title=Utah's governor vetoes transgender sports bill, legislature will override |date=March 22, 2022 |work=KSTU |first=Ben |last=Winslow |access-date=March 23, 2022 |archive-date=March 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322174452/https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/utah-legislature-considers-special-session-override-of-transgender-sports-bill-veto |url-status=live }}</ref> The legislature overrode his veto.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Medina |first=Eduardo |date=2022-03-25 |title=Utah Legislature Overrides Governor's Veto of Transgender Athlete Bill |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/25/us/utah-transgender-athlete-ban-override.html |access-date=2022-03-26 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> | ||
==Political positions== | ==Political positions== | ||
Cox is frequently considered a moderate Republican.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Kyle |last=Dunphey |date=2023-07-11 |title=Poll: Utah Gov. Spencer Cox continues to enjoy strong approval rating |url=https://www.deseret.com/utah/2023/7/11/23790191/poll-utah-gov-spencer-cox-continues-to-enjoy-strong-approval-rating |access-date=2023-08-17 |website=Deseret News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-21 |title=Utah governor says Taylor Greene's 'national divorce' proposal is 'evil' |url=https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/marjorie-taylor-greene-national-divorce-proposal-utah-governor-response-evil |access-date=2023-08-17 |website=FOX News |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
⚫ | |||
In October 2015, Cox endorsed ] in the ].<ref>{{cite news | url = http://fox13now.com/2015/10/19/presidential-candidate-marco-rubio-visiting-utah-monday/ | access-date = June 19, 2016 | date = October 19, 2015 | title = Presidential candidate Marco Rubio visiting Utah Monday | publisher = FOX13 Salt Lake City | first1 = Lauren | last1 = Steinbrecher | first2 = David | last2 = Wells | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160919014637/http://fox13now.com/2015/10/19/presidential-candidate-marco-rubio-visiting-utah-monday/ | archive-date = September 19, 2016 | url-status = live }}</ref> After Rubio withdrew, Cox endorsed ] in March 2016.<ref>{{cite news | access-date = June 19, 2016 | date = March 19, 2016 | url = http://kutv.com/news/local/utahs-lt-gov-endorses-ted-cruz-condemns-trumps-comments-on-romney | publisher = KUTV | title = Utah's Lt. Gov. endorses Ted Cruz, condemns Trump's comments on Romney | first = Daniel | last = Woodruff | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160628082636/http://kutv.com/news/local/utahs-lt-gov-endorses-ted-cruz-condemns-trumps-comments-on-romney | archive-date = June 28, 2016 | url-status = live }}</ref> | |||
⚫ | Cox eventually changed course and said in 2020 he supported Trump |
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⚫ | Cox said of ] 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."<ref>{{cite news | url = http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2016/03/19/trumps-appeal-with-mormons-to-be-tested-in-utah/ | publisher = CBS Baltimore | agency = Associated Press | title = Trump's Appeal With Mormons To Be Tested In Utah | access-date = June 19, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160810230326/http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2016/03/19/trumps-appeal-with-mormons-to-be-tested-in-utah/ | archive-date = August 10, 2016 | url-status = live }}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite news | access-date = June 19, 2016 | date = March 16, 2016 | title = GOP presidential debate in SLC canceled | first1 = Ben | last1 = Winslow | first2 = David | last2 = Wells | url = http://fox13now.com/2016/03/16/gop-presidential-primary-debate-scheduled-for-next-week-has-been-canceled/ | publisher = FOX13 Salt Lake City | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160613181522/http://fox13now.com/2016/03/16/gop-presidential-primary-debate-scheduled-for-next-week-has-been-canceled/ | archive-date = June 13, 2016 | url-status = live }}</ref> | ||
⚫ | === LGBT |
||
⚫ | Cox eventually changed course and said in 2020 that he supported Trump, although he claims not to have voted for Trump in the ] or the ]. After the ], Cox said that Trump was responsible for inciting the violence and called on him to resign.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 8, 2021 |title=Gov. Spencer Cox Said President Trump Incited Violence at Capitol, Defends Past Support |url=https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2021-01-08/gov-spencer-cox-said-president-trump-incited-violence-at-capitol-defends-past-support |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714005335/https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2021-01-08/gov-spencer-cox-said-president-trump-incited-violence-at-capitol-defends-past-support |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |access-date=July 14, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Ball |first=Molly |date=18 August 2022 |title=The Red-State Governor Who's Not Afraid to Be 'Woke' |url=https://time.com/6206233/spencer-cox-utah-governor-interview/ |access-date=2022-08-20 |magazine=] |location=Salt Lake City |language=en}}</ref> | ||
On July 14, 2024, Cox released a letter endorsing Trump. In it, he wrote of a ]: "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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-19 |title=Gov. Cox does an about-face, endorses Trump after assassination attempt |url=https://www.fox13now.com/news/politics/gov-cox-changes-course-will-now-endorse-former-president-donald-trump |access-date=2024-09-10 |website=FOX 13 News Utah (KSTU) |language=en}}</ref> | |||
⚫ | On June 13, 2016, Cox spoke at a vigil in Salt Lake City honoring those who died in the ] the day before. He surprised many when he apologized for mistreating schoolmates and his lack of support for the ] community.<ref>{{cite news | access-date = June 19, 2016 | work = New York Times | date = June 16, 2016 | first = Daniel | last = Victor | title = At Vigil for Orlando Victims, Utah Republican Apologizes to L.G.B.T. Community | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/17/us/utah-republican-is-unlikely-star-at-lgbt-vigil-for-orlando.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160618093059/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/17/us/utah-republican-is-unlikely-star-at-lgbt-vigil-for-orlando.html | archive-date = June 18, 2016 | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | publisher = NPR | title = 'My Heart Has Changed': Utah Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox Apologizes To LGBT Community | access-date = June 18, 2016 | date = June 15, 2016 | url = https://www.npr.org/2016/06/15/482206214/my-heart-has-changed-utah-lt-gov-spencer-cox-apologizes-to-lgbt-community | first = Kelly | last = McEvers | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160617164921/http://www.npr.org/2016/06/15/482206214/my-heart-has-changed-utah-lt-gov-spencer-cox-apologizes-to-lgbt-community | archive-date = June 17, 2016 | url-status = live }}</ref> He aimed part of his speech at the "straight community":<ref>{{cite news | access-date = June 19, 2016 | url = https://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=40209267&nid=148&title=lt-gov-cox-speaks-at-vigil-for-orlando-my-heart-has-changed | date = June 14, 2016 | title = Lt. Gov. Cox speaks at vigil for Orlando: 'My heart has changed' (transcript) | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160619063426/http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=40209267&nid=148&title=lt-gov-cox-speaks-at-vigil-for-orlando-my-heart-has-changed | archive-date = June 19, 2016 | url-status = live }}</ref>{{Blockquote|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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Giardinelli |first=Christina |title=LGBTQ Youth Sat in Front of Governor's Office Demanding an Apology. They Got One. |url=https://dailyutahchronicle.com/2019/03/08/lgbtq-youth-sat-in-front-of-governors-office-demanding-an-apology-they-got-one/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=The Daily Utah Chronicle |
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=== Abortion === | |||
Cox identifies himself as pro-life<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-01-13 |title=Utah's Lt. Gov. Cox Defends Comparing Abortion to Slavery After Backlash |url=https://www.newsweek.com/utah-spencer-cox-abortion-slavery-1481791 |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}</ref> and opposes abortion except in the cases of rape, incest, or life of the mother.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martinez |first=Ivana |title=Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox Responds to Controversial Comments on Abortion |url=https://dailyutahchronicle.com/2020/01/25/spencer-cox-comments-on-abortion/ |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=The Daily Utah Chronicle|date=January 26, 2020 }}</ref> | |||
In May 2022, after the ], 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."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benedict |first=Patrick |date=2022-05-03 |title=Utah politicians react to Roe v Wade bombshell; Cox, Henderson, Romney, Lee express support for draft opinion, decry historic leak {{!}} Gephardt Daily |url=https://gephardtdaily.com/local/utah-politicians-react-to-roe-v-wade-bombshell-cox-henderson-romney-lee-express-support-for-draft-opinion-decry-historic-leak/ |access-date=2023-01-28 |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
On June 24, 2022, Cox expressed his support for the ] 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."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gov. Cox and Lt. Gov. Henderson issue joint statement on U.S. Supreme Court ruling |url=https://governor.utah.gov/2022/06/24/supreme-court-ruling/ |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=Governor Spencer J. Cox |language=en}}</ref> | |||
In March 2023, Cox signed a bill banning abortion clinics from operating in Utah and requiring abortions to be performed in a hospital.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 16, 2023 |title=Utah governor signs bill banning abortion clinics across the state |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Health/utah-governor-signs-bill-banning-abortion-clinics-state/story?id=97905012 |access-date=2023-06-17 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref> The law was issued a temporary injunction by Third District Court Judge Andrew Stone a day before it was to take effect.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Afshar |first=Paradise |date=2023-05-03 |title=Judge blocks Utah's ban on abortion clinics from taking effect {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/03/politics/utah-judge-abortion-clinic/index.html |access-date=2023-06-17 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> | |||
=== Environment === | |||
Cox opposes the use of the ] to create ], saying that he believes monument designations hurt the landscapes they are meant to protect. He has expressed opposition to the restored boundaries of ] and ], and to the creation of ].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |last2=Scholl |first2=Jacob |title=Federal judge tosses Utah lawsuit seeking to shrink Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante monuments |url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2023/08/11/federal-judge-tosses-utah-lawsuit/ |access-date=21 August 2023 |agency=The Salt Lake Tribune |date=11 August 2023}}</ref> | |||
=== Guns === | |||
In February 2021, Cox signed a ] bill to allow individuals to carry a firearm in public without a permit, making Utah the 17th state to do so.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Earl |first=Mateo |title=Utah Governor Signs Law to Allow Unpermitted Gun Carry |url=https://skylinehorizon.org/news/utah-governor-signs-law-to-allow-unpermitted-gun-carry/ |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=The Skyline Horizon}}</ref> | |||
In June 2022, Cox said in a press conference that he was open to discussing a ] with the legislature.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-16 |title=Utah Gov. Spencer Cox asking Utah lawmakers to keep an open mind on gun reform |url=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 |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=Deseret News |language=en}}</ref> | |||
⚫ | === LGBT rights === | ||
⚫ | On June 13, 2016, Cox spoke at a vigil in Salt Lake City honoring those who died in the ] the day before. He surprised many when he apologized for mistreating schoolmates and his lack of support for the ] community.<ref>{{cite news | access-date = June 19, 2016 | work = New York Times | date = June 16, 2016 | first = Daniel | last = Victor | title = At Vigil for Orlando Victims, Utah Republican Apologizes to L.G.B.T. Community | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/17/us/utah-republican-is-unlikely-star-at-lgbt-vigil-for-orlando.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160618093059/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/17/us/utah-republican-is-unlikely-star-at-lgbt-vigil-for-orlando.html | archive-date = June 18, 2016 | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | publisher = NPR | title = 'My Heart Has Changed': Utah Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox Apologizes To LGBT Community | access-date = June 18, 2016 | date = June 15, 2016 | url = https://www.npr.org/2016/06/15/482206214/my-heart-has-changed-utah-lt-gov-spencer-cox-apologizes-to-lgbt-community | first = Kelly | last = McEvers | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160617164921/http://www.npr.org/2016/06/15/482206214/my-heart-has-changed-utah-lt-gov-spencer-cox-apologizes-to-lgbt-community | archive-date = June 17, 2016 | url-status = live }}</ref> He aimed part of his speech at the "straight community":<ref>{{cite news | access-date = June 19, 2016 | url = https://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=40209267&nid=148&title=lt-gov-cox-speaks-at-vigil-for-orlando-my-heart-has-changed | date = June 14, 2016 | title = Lt. Gov. Cox speaks at vigil for Orlando: 'My heart has changed' (transcript) | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160619063426/http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=40209267&nid=148&title=lt-gov-cox-speaks-at-vigil-for-orlando-my-heart-has-changed | archive-date = June 19, 2016 | url-status = live }}</ref>{{Blockquote|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 ] after a bill to do so died in the State Senate in May 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Giardinelli |first=Christina |title=LGBTQ Youth Sat in Front of Governor's Office Demanding an Apology. They Got One. |url=https://dailyutahchronicle.com/2019/03/08/lgbtq-youth-sat-in-front-of-governors-office-demanding-an-apology-they-got-one/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=The Daily Utah Chronicle|date=March 8, 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |title=Amelia, I am so sorry that you are hurting |number=1103652548169261056 |user=spencerjcox |archive-date=Jun 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607001600/https://twitter.com/SpencerJCox/status/1103652548169261056 |access-date=7 July 2023 |lang=en |url-access=registration |url-status=live |url=https://twitter.com/spencerjcox/status/1103652548169261056}}</ref> | ||
In an April 2021 town hall meeting, Cox announced his ]s are "he", "him", and "his".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2022/04/06/conservative-group-posts/ | title=Conservative group shares misleading video of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox listing his pronouns }}</ref> | |||
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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cox |first=Spencer |date=2022-03-24 |title=Gov. Cox: Why I'm vetoing HB11 |url=https://governor.utah.gov/2022/03/24/gov-cox-why-im-vetoing-hb11/ |access-date=2022-06-24 |website=Governor Spencer J. Cox |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=BREAKING: Human Rights Campaign Commends Republican Gov. Spencer Cox for Vetoing Anti-Trans Sports Ban |url=https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/breaking-human-rights-campaign-commends-republican-gov-spencer-cox-for-vetoing-anti-trans-sports-ban |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=Human Rights Campaign |date=March 22, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
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".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-01 |title=Governor issues proclamation marking LGBTQ Pride Month |url=https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/utahs-governor-issues-proclamation-marking-lgbtq-pride-month |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=KSTU |language=en}}</ref> | |||
On January 28, 2023, Cox signed Senate Bill 16, which bans gender-affirming surgery for patients under 18.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Utah Governor signs SB 16 into law, banning gender-affirming procedures on minors. |url=https://stateofreform.com/featured/2023/01/utah-governor-signs-sb-16-into-law-banning-gender-affirming-procedures-on-minors/ |access-date=2023-01-29 |website=The Salt Lake Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Utah Governor Signs Conversion Therapy Ban Into Law |url=https://www.advocate.com/news/conversion-therapy-utah-ban-governor |date=March 22, 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Utah Legislature codifies ban on conversion therapy while addressing therapists’ concerns |url=https://www.deseret.com/utah/2023/2/17/23604347/conversion-therapy-ban-lgbt-utah-bill/ |date=February 17, 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
On August 5, 2024, Cox and other state leaders shared misinformation about the female Olympic boxer ]. 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Utah's attacks on Olympic boxer's gender call future host's inclusivity into question |url=https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/08/05/utah-governor-attack-khelif-olympic-women-boxing |date=August 5, 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Cox, Lee, Schultz, Adams spread misconceptions about Olympic boxer's sex |url=https://www.ksl.com/article/51091794/cox-lee-schultz-adams-spread-misconceptions-about-olympic-boxers-sex |date=August 6, 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
==Personal life== | ==Personal life== | ||
] | |||
Cox is the oldest of eight children and grew up on a farm in Fairview.<ref name=farmboy>{{cite web |first=Robert |last=Gehrke |url=http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/57003071-90/cox-spencer-utah-fairview.html.csp |title=How Cox rose from farm boy to lieutenant-governor-in-waiting |publisher=The Salt Lake Tribune |date=October 15, 2013 |access-date=October 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016033620/http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/57003071-90/cox-spencer-utah-fairview.html.csp |archive-date=October 16, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> He and his wife, Abby, have four children, and reside on their family farm in Fairview.<ref name=fox/> Cox's father, Eddie, served on the ] and was also a Sanpete County commissioner.<ref name=committee/> | Cox is the oldest of eight children and grew up on a farm in Fairview.<ref name=farmboy>{{cite web |first=Robert |last=Gehrke |url=http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/57003071-90/cox-spencer-utah-fairview.html.csp |title=How Cox rose from farm boy to lieutenant-governor-in-waiting |publisher=The Salt Lake Tribune |date=October 15, 2013 |access-date=October 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016033620/http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/57003071-90/cox-spencer-utah-fairview.html.csp |archive-date=October 16, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> He and his wife, Abby, have four children, and reside on their family farm in Fairview.<ref name=fox/> Cox's father, Eddie, served on the ] and was also a Sanpete County commissioner.<ref name=committee/> | ||
Cox plays ] in a ].<ref name="sltrib" /><ref name="committee" /> His brother-in-law, Travis Osmond, the son of ], taught him to play bass.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.standard.net/stories/2013/10/15/cox-expected-take-office-lieutenant-governor|title=Cox expected to take office as lieutenant governor|first=Antone|last=Clark|work=Standard-Examiner|date=October 15, 2013|access-date=October 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016192341/http://www.standard.net/stories/2013/10/15/cox-expected-take-office-lieutenant-governor|archive-date=October 16, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> State |
Cox plays ] in a ].<ref name="sltrib" /><ref name="committee" /> His brother-in-law, Travis Osmond, the son of ], taught him to play bass.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.standard.net/stories/2013/10/15/cox-expected-take-office-lieutenant-governor|title=Cox expected to take office as lieutenant governor|first=Antone|last=Clark|work=Standard-Examiner|date=October 15, 2013|access-date=October 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016192341/http://www.standard.net/stories/2013/10/15/cox-expected-take-office-lieutenant-governor|archive-date=October 16, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> State Senator ] is also a brother-in-law.<ref name="farmboy" /> Cox's fourth cousin, ], succeeded him in the Utah House of Representatives.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865590226/GOP-names-Utah-House-replacement-for-Spencer-Cox-2-his-fourth-cousin.html|title=GOP names Utah House replacement for Spencer Cox — his fourth cousin|work=Deseret News|first=Dennis|last=Romboy|date=November 8, 2013|access-date=November 9, 2013|archive-url=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|archive-date=November 10, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
Cox is a fan of the band ] and in 2018 recorded a of the song "]" with his band. At a 2024 campaign event Cox crowd-surfed during a ] performance. | |||
== Electoral history == | == Electoral history == | ||
{{Election box begin|title=2016 Utah gubernatorial election<ref name=UTelection>{{cite web |url=https://elections.utah.gov/Media/Default/2016%20Election/2016%20General%20Election%20-%20Statewide%20Canvass%203.pdf |title=Utah Election Official Results |publisher=Utah Secretary of State |access-date=December 28, 2016 |archive-date=May 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514145349/https://elections.utah.gov/Media/Default/2016%20Election/2016%20General%20Election%20-%20Statewide%20Canvass%203.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>}} | {{Election box begin|title=]<ref name=UTelection>{{cite web |url=https://elections.utah.gov/Media/Default/2016%20Election/2016%20General%20Election%20-%20Statewide%20Canvass%203.pdf |title=Utah Election Official Results |publisher=Utah Secretary of State |access-date=December 28, 2016 |archive-date=May 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514145349/https://elections.utah.gov/Media/Default/2016%20Election/2016%20General%20Election%20-%20Statewide%20Canvass%203.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>}} | ||
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|candidate=Gary Herbert/Spencer Cox (incumbent)|party=Republican Party (United States)|votes=750,850|percentage=66.74%|change=−1.67%}} | {{Election box winning candidate with party link|candidate=Gary Herbert/Spencer Cox (incumbent)|party=Republican Party (United States)|votes=750,850|percentage=66.74%|change=−1.67%}} | ||
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Democratic Party (United States)|candidate=Mike Weinholtz/Kim Bowman|votes=323,349|percentage=28.74%|change=+1.16%}} | {{Election box candidate with party link|party=Democratic Party (United States)|candidate=Mike Weinholtz/Kim Bowman|votes=323,349|percentage=28.74%|change=+1.16%}} | ||
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{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Independent American Party|candidate=Superdell Schanze/Gregory Duerden|votes=15,912|percentage=1.41%|change=N/A}} | {{Election box candidate with party link|party=Independent American Party|candidate=Superdell Schanze/Gregory Duerden|votes=15,912|percentage=1.41%|change=N/A}} | ||
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Independent (United States)|candidate=L.S. Brown (write-in)|votes=97|percentage=0.01%|change=N/A}} | {{Election box candidate with party link|party=Independent (United States)|candidate=L.S. Brown (write-in)|votes=97|percentage=0.01%|change=N/A}} | ||
{{Election box total|votes= |
{{Election box total|votes=1,125,035|percentage=100.0%|change=N/A}} | ||
{{Election box hold with party link no swing|winner=Republican Party (United States)}} | {{Election box hold with party link no swing|winner=Republican Party (United States)}} | ||
{{Election box end}} | {{Election box end}} | ||
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{{Election box total no change|votes=527,178|percentage=100.00%}} | {{Election box total no change|votes=527,178|percentage=100.00%}} | ||
{{Election box end}} | {{Election box end}} | ||
{{Election box begin|title=2020 Utah gubernatorial election<ref>{{cite web |url=https://voteinfo.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2020/11/2020-General-Election-Canvass.pdf |title=2020 General Election Canvass |work=] |date=November 23, 2020 |access-date=November 23, 2020 |archive-date=December 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210061943/https://voteinfo.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2020/11/2020-General-Election-Canvass.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>}} | {{Election box begin|title=]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://voteinfo.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2020/11/2020-General-Election-Canvass.pdf |title=2020 General Election Canvass |work=] |date=November 23, 2020 |access-date=November 23, 2020 |archive-date=December 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210061943/https://voteinfo.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2020/11/2020-General-Election-Canvass.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>}} | ||
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|candidate=Spencer Cox|party=Republican Party (United States)|votes=918,754|percentage=62.98%|change=−3.76%}} | {{Election box winning candidate with party link|candidate=Spencer Cox|party=Republican Party (United States)|votes=918,754|percentage=62.98%|change=−3.76%}} | ||
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Democratic Party (United States)|candidate=]|votes=442,754|percentage=30.35%|change=+1.61%}} | {{Election box candidate with party link|party=Democratic Party (United States)|candidate=]|votes=442,754|percentage=30.35%|change=+1.61%}} | ||
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* government website | * government website | ||
* | * | ||
*{{Ballotpedia}} | *{{Ballotpedia|Spencer_Cox}} | ||
*{{C-SPAN|127749}} | *{{C-SPAN|127749}} | ||
{{CongLinks | congbio= | votesmart=114270 | fec= | congress= }} | {{CongLinks | congbio= | votesmart=114270 | fec= | congress= }} | ||
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{{s-ttl|title=]|years=2021–present}} | {{s-ttl|title=]|years=2021–present}} | ||
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{{s-ttl|title=Chair of the ]|years=2023–2024}} | |||
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{{s-ppo}} | {{s-ppo}} | ||
{{s-bef|before=]}} | {{s-bef|before=]}} | ||
{{s-ttl|title=] nominee for ]|years=]}} | {{s-ttl|title=] nominee for ]|years=], ]}} | ||
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{{s-aft|after=Mayor of city<br />in which event is held}} | {{s-aft|after=Mayor of city<br />in which event is held}} | ||
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{{Current U.S. governors}} | {{Current U.S. governors}} | ||
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Latest revision as of 15:59, 9 December 2024
Governor of Utah since 2021 This article is about the politician. For the HIV/AIDS activist, see Spencer Cox (activist).
Spencer Cox | |
---|---|
Cox in 2024 | |
18th Governor of Utah | |
Incumbent | |
Assumed office January 4, 2021 | |
Lieutenant | Deidre Henderson |
Preceded by | Gary Herbert |
Chair of the National Governors Association | |
In office July 14, 2023 – July 12, 2024 | |
Preceded by | Phil Murphy |
Succeeded by | Jared Polis |
8th Lieutenant Governor of Utah | |
In office October 16, 2013 – January 4, 2021 | |
Governor | Gary Herbert |
Preceded by | Greg Bell |
Succeeded by | Deidre Henderson |
Member of the Utah House of Representatives from the 58th district | |
In office January 1, 2013 – October 16, 2013 | |
Preceded by | Stephen Sandstrom |
Succeeded by | Jon Cox |
Personal details | |
Born | Spencer James Cox (1975-07-11) July 11, 1975 (age 49) Mount Pleasant, Utah, U.S. |
Political party | Republican |
Spouse | Abby Palmer |
Children | 4 |
Residence | Governor's Mansion |
Education | Snow College (AA) Utah State University (BA) Washington and Lee University (JD) |
Signature | |
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.
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. 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.
Career
Early legal work
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.
Political career
Cox was elected as a city councilor of Fairview, Utah in 2004, and mayor the next year. In 2008, he was elected as a Sanpete County commissioner. 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. Cox and Lieutenant Governor Bell served as co-chairs of Governor Herbert's Rural Partnership Board.
Lieutenant governor of Utah
In October 2013, Herbert selected Cox to succeed Bell as lieutenant governor following Bell's resignation. The Utah Senate's Government Operations Confirmation Committee unanimously approved his nomination on October 15. The next day, the full Utah Senate confirmed him unanimously and he was sworn in. 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.
In the 2016 Utah gubernatorial election, Cox was elected to a full term as lieutenant governor as Herbert's running mate.
Governor of Utah
See also: 2020 Utah gubernatorial electionOn 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. 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. In the general election, Cox defeated the Democratic nominee, Chris Peterson, 63% to 30%. 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. Within days of his inauguration, he opened an office on Southern Utah University's Cedar City campus.
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. 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.
In July 2022, Cox was elected vice chair of the National Governors Association, succeeding New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, who was voted chair. 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.
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. 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.
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. The legislature overrode his veto.
Political positions
Cox is frequently considered a moderate Republican.
In October 2015, Cox endorsed Marco Rubio in the 2016 Republican presidential primary. After Rubio withdrew, Cox endorsed Ted Cruz in March 2016.
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." 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."
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.
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.
Abortion
Cox identifies himself as pro-life and opposes abortion except in the cases of rape, incest, or life of the mother.
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."
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."
In March 2023, Cox signed a bill banning abortion clinics from operating in Utah and requiring abortions to be performed in a hospital. The law was issued a temporary injunction by Third District Court Judge Andrew Stone a day before it was to take effect.
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.
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.
In June 2022, Cox said in a press conference that he was open to discussing a red flag law with the legislature.
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. He aimed part of his speech at the "straight community":
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.
In an April 2021 town hall meeting, Cox announced his personal pronouns are "he", "him", and "his".
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.
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".
On January 28, 2023, Cox signed Senate Bill 16, which bans gender-affirming surgery for patients under 18.
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.
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.
Personal life
Cox is the oldest of eight children and grew up on a farm in Fairview. He and his wife, Abby, have four children, and reside on their family farm in Fairview. Cox's father, Eddie, served on the Utah Transportation Commission and was also a Sanpete County commissioner.
Cox plays bass guitar in a garage band. His brother-in-law, Travis Osmond, the son of Merrill Osmond, taught him to play bass. State Senator Mike McKell is also a brother-in-law. Cox's fourth cousin, Jon Cox, succeeded him in the Utah House of Representatives.
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
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | L.S. Brown (write-in) | 97 | 0.01% | N/A | |
Total votes | 1,125,035 | 100.0% | N/A | ||
Republican hold |
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% |
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 |
References
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- "Gov. Cox and Lt. Gov. Henderson issue joint statement on U.S. Supreme Court ruling". Governor Spencer J. Cox. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
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- "Conservative group shares misleading video of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox listing his pronouns".
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- "Utah Governor signs SB 16 into law, banning gender-affirming procedures on minors". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved January 29, 2023.
- "Utah Governor Signs Conversion Therapy Ban Into Law". March 22, 2023.
- "Utah Legislature codifies ban on conversion therapy while addressing therapists' concerns". February 17, 2023.
- "Utah's attacks on Olympic boxer's gender call future host's inclusivity into question". August 5, 2024.
- "Cox, Lee, Schultz, Adams spread misconceptions about Olympic boxer's sex". August 6, 2024.
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External links
- Governor Spencer J. Cox government website
- Campaign website
- Spencer Cox at Ballotpedia
- Appearances on C-SPAN
Utah House of Representatives | ||
---|---|---|
Preceded byStephen Sandstrom | Member of the Utah House of Representatives from 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 |
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial) | ||
Preceded byKamala Harrisas Vice President | Order of precedence of the United States Within Utah |
Succeeded byMayor of city in 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 |
Statewide political officials of Utah | ||
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U.S. senators | ||
State government | ||
Senate |
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House |
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Supreme Court (appointed) |
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Governors of Utah | ||
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Territorial (1850–1896) | ||
State (since 1896) |
Lieutenant governors of Utah | ||
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