Gov. Herbert, Lt. Gov. Cox Announces Details of Forthcoming Utah Gubernatorial Transition
SALT LAKE CITY – Following Tuesday night’s gubernatorial election, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert joined Gov.-elect Spencer Cox and Lt. Gov.-elect Deidre Henderson in the Utah State Capitol in a showcase of their upcoming transition into office.
Cox, Utah’s current lieutenant governor, defeated Democratic challenger Chris Peterson, who conceded Tuesday evening. Henderson, Cox’s running mate, currently serves as District 7 State Senator.
“As Lt. Gov.-elect Henderson and I traveled to every corner of the state during our campaign, we learned a lot about what Utahns want and expect from their government,” Cox said at the event. “We will never forget those experiences and pledge to follow through with our commitment to improve upon the successes of the past. We are deeply humbled by the trust voters have shown us, and we are honored to move forward with fresh eyes as we transition toward governing.”
Cox will assume the duties of governor Jan. 1, 2021, although his inauguration will not be until Jan. 21, he announced during the event. Jon Pierpont, former executive director of the Utah Department of Workforce Services, will be appointed by Cox as both chief of staff and chief operating officer in January.
Jennifer Napier-Pearce, former executive editor of The Salt Lake Tribune, will be appointed as senior advisor to the governor and director of communications, Cox announced at the event.
“Utahns are known throughout the country as can-do people who do not shy away from opportunities to build and innovate,” Henderson said at the event. “I look forward to working with Gov.-elect Cox to bring Utahns together and improve quality of life for all.”