Meet the candidates: Spencer Cox

Jun 23, 2020, 2:27 PM

spencer cox primary...

FILE: Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox in October 2019. The Cox for Governor Campaign announced it is the first campaign to submit its signatures to be included on the Republican primary ballot. (Photo courtesy of Deseret News)

(Photo courtesy of Deseret News)

Spencer Cox was born July 11, 1975, and raised in Fairview, Utah. Cox graduated from Snow College in Ephraim with an associate’s degree and from Utah State University in Logan, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Washington and Lee University School of Law in Lexington, Va.

Cox is married to his high school sweetheart, Abby. They have four children and live on their family farm in Fairview. He completed a mission to Mexico for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

After serving on the Sanpete County Commission, Cox was elected to the Utah House in 2012. In October 2013, Gov. Gary Herbert selected Cox to become the eighth  lieutenant governor of Utah, replacing Greg Bell.

In May 2019, Cox announced his bid for governor and named Republican state Sen. Deidre Henderson of Spanish Fork as his running mate.

Herbert has endorsed Cox for governor.

Cox says the focus of his administration will be on education.

“We need greater accountability from elected officials for education outcomes.”1

The lieutenant governor is a lifelong gun owner and a supporter of the Second Amendment.

The Republican candidate is anti-abortion: “Spencer opposes abortion, allowing only rare exceptions for rape, incest or life of the mother.”

The candidate says his campaign “has always tried to be a voice for the most vulnerable in our society, those facing intergenerational poverty, refugees, the LGBTQ community [and] our multicultural communities —and yes, the unborn.”2

Cox says his administration will emphasize economic development in rural Utah by “installing the first ‘rural chief of staff’ in the governor’s office and promoting the aggressive placement of state jobs in rural areas.”3

Find out more about candidate Cox here.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

(Loren Richardson via KSL.com)...

Simone Seikaly

Brighton resident charged for confronting snowboarder with shotgun

According to court documents, and based on witness accounts, Keith Robert Stebbings threatened a snowboarder with a shotgun.

25 minutes ago

a cat and her kitten shown, Fawn's Family Rescue provides quality time with adoptable ctas...

Heather Peterson

Fawn’s Family Rescue provides lounge to interact with adoptable cats

Fawn's Family Rescue recently opened its doors in Bountiful. The new cat lounge provides a comfortable way for people to hang out with feline friends.

4 hours ago

A n3-year degree may be an option...

Amie Schaeffer

Utah students could soon earn bachelor’s degrees in 3 years

College students may be able to graduate with a bachelors degree in three years in some industries.

5 hours ago

Rain and snow expected Easter...

Adam Small

More rain and snow on the way for Easter

More rain and snow is headed to Utah on Thursday, and the wet weather is expected to hang around through Easter.

6 hours ago

Rep Phil Lyman shown, lyman dei comments came under scrutiny...

Emma Keddington

Rep. Phil Lyman defends post correlating DEI policies with Baltimore bridge collapse

Rep. Phil Lyman is defending a post made Tuesday, that said Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies had something to do with the Baltimore bridge collapse. 

6 hours ago

The Powder Baby Dry Shampoo team poses with its check after winning the 2024 Utah Entrepreneur Chal...

Logan Stefanich, KSL.COM

BYU student startup wins $30K at Utah Entrepreneur Challenge

BYU entrepreneur Kylee Black, who founded Powder Baby, said the cash prize will be instrumental in advancing her business.

7 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Meet the candidates: Spencer Cox