SALT LAKE CITY — Spencer Cox will be Utah’s next Governor.
Cox, who was Lt. Governor for two terms under Governor Gary Gary Herbert, defeated democrat Chris Peterson in Tuesday’s election.
FOX 13 spoke with Cox about his hopes and plans once he begins serving as Governor.
“We have a lot to work on,” Cox said. “Our big focus before Covid was on education and restoring the joy of teaching. In our classrooms we lose about half of teachers in the first 5 years of their career, that's something we desperately need to turn around. That'll be a big focus for us."
Cox won 64 percent of the vote, defeating Peterson, a law professor at The University of Utah.
Peterson released the following statement:
“I’m proud that we ran an ethical race focused on policy issues. This campaign was about building a new beginning for the democratic party in Utah. I thank my opponent, Lieutenant Governor Cox, for running a respectful campaign, and I wish him the very best in leading our state towards a brighter future."
Peterson and Cox got nationwide attention for their joint video calling for more civility in politics and for the peaceful transfer of power.
Utah State Senator Deidre Henderson, who tested positive for COVID-19 in August, will be Cox's Lieutenant Governor.
Governor-elect Cox joined Dan Evans and Kerri Cronk on Good Day Utah Wednesday morning. Here is that interview: