Utah Governor — Spencer James Cox
Spencer Cox is the 18th Governor of Utah, serving since January 4, 2021. A Republican and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cox previously served eight years as Utah's lieutenant governor. He is known for his "Disagree Better" initiative promoting civil discourse and has championed housing affordability, water conservation, and youth social media restrictions. Cox pledged his current term will be his final as governor.
Implement transformative achievements in education, transportation, water, air quality, and housing
Status: in-progress
Cox signed record K-12 education funding over five years and pushed water conservation measures. Housing remains his signature priority with the 35,000 starter homes goal by 2028—approximately 6,500 built as of January 2026. Education bills signed in 2026 legislative session. Water-related bills passed in 2025-2026 sessions.
Reduce housing costs by decreasing government regulation, impact fees, and supporting infrastructure investment
Status: in-progress
Cox announced $185 million housing investment (2025 FY), with $150 million for Utah First Homes program targeting 35,000 starter homes. Created Housing Dashboard (May 2025) to track progress. Signed permitting reform executive order (January 2025) streamlining DEQ and DOGM processes. As of May 2025, approximately 5,100 starter homes built. Convened mayors for "Built Here Housing Summit" (May 2025) to address local zoning barriers.
Double energy production in the nation over the next 10 years (Operation Gigawatt)
Status: in-progress
Announced Operation Gigawatt as second-term priority (November 2024). Signed energy-related bills in 2025-2026 legislative sessions, including geothermal amendments (SB 21), commercial wind/solar incentive amendments (SB 192), and energy generation/transmission planning (HB 238). Working with Trump administration on energy expansion and public lands policy.
Reduce homelessness through integrated state-wide approach combining bed space expansion, mental health services, and accountability
Status: in-progress
Proposed $186 million homelessness plan (2023). Allocated over $50 million in 2024 legislature. Announced $300 million proposal for 1,300-bed homeless shelter (2025-2026). Created homeless coordination position. Emphasized reducing homelessness to 25% by 2029. As of 2024, funding for behavioral health services expanded and shelter bed space increased.
Coordinate with Trump administration on immigration enforcement focusing on criminals and illegal border crossings
Status: in-progress
Announced immigration coordination plan (November 2024) to work with incoming Trump administration. Focus on deporting immigrants who committed crimes. Announced five immigration priorities (November 2024) including improved detection of illegal immigration status for arrested individuals. As of December 2024, details on implementation remain sparse but administration pledged coordination with federal authorities.
Reduce youth social media harms through legislation and regulation
Status: completed
Signed Utah Social Media Regulation Act (March 2023) banning TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat from allowing minors to create accounts without parental consent and restricting access during certain hours. Continued anti-social media advocacy nationally as head of National Governors Association (2023-2024) with "Disagree Better" initiative. Called social media "a cancer" following Charlie Kirk assassination (September 2025). Continued to champion youth protection messaging in 2026 State of the State.