Spencer Cox, born on November 7, 1975, in a small town in Utah, grew up in a politically active family. His father, Eddie Cox, served as a county commissioner and on the Utah Transportation Commission. Growing up with seven younger siblings, Spencer learned the value of hard work and community service from a young age.
After completing a mission for the Church of the Latter-day Saints in Mexico, Spencer pursued higher education. He earned an associate's degree from Snow Community College before graduating from Utah State University with a bachelor's degree in political science. Despite being accepted to Harvard Law School, Spencer chose to attend Washington and Lee University School of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctor in 2001.
Upon completing his education, Spencer began his career as a law clerk before eventually becoming the vice president of a telecommunications company. During this time, he married his high-school sweetheart, Abby, while studying for his associate's degree. The couple now has four children and resides on a farm in Fairview, Utah.
Spencer's family ties run deep within the political landscape of Utah. His brother-in-law is State Senator Mike McKell, and another brother-in-law is Travis Osmond, the son of musician Merrill Osmond. In addition, Spencer's fourth cousin, John Cox, succeeded him in the Utah House of Representatives.
Spencer Cox's political career took off when he was elected as the mayor of Fairview, Utah, after serving on the city council. He later became a Sanpete County commissioner before being appointed as the 8th lieutenant governor of Utah.
In 2020, Spencer ran for the governorship of Utah and won by a significant margin, focusing his efforts on efficiently distributing the COVID-19 vaccine across the state. During his tenure, he signed the Utah Social Media Regulation Act into law, which imposed restrictions on social media platforms regarding minors' accounts and usage.
Throughout his career, Spencer Cox has been known as a moderate Republican who has endorsed political candidates such as Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz. When he assumed office as governor in 2021, he succeeded Gary Herbert, continuing his legacy of service to the people of Utah.