Utah House Majority leader resigns to take new role in Governor's Office
SALT LAKE CITY () — Utah House Majority Leader Rep. Jefferson Moss (R-Saratoga Springs) will be stepping away from the House of Representatives and his role as House Majority Leader at the end of the month.
The announcement comes as Gov. Spencer Cox tapped Moss to serve in his office as the Executive Director of the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO). He will officially step down from his role in the House on May 30 and begin work in the GOEO on June 2 as an interim until his role can be confirmed by the Utah Senate.
Moss's new role will see him oversee statewide efforts to promote business development, innovation, and economic strategy.
Moss, who has served in the Utah House of Representatives since 2017 and in Majority Leadership since 2019, said he was incredibly proud of the work he accomplished while representing the Saratoga Springs district.
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'It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of House District 51 and the state of Utah,' said Moss in a statement. 'I look forward to continuing my work in a new capacity, helping lead Utah's economic future.'
Throughout his career, Moss has held a variety of positions, including the Utah State Board of Education, the Saratoga Springs City Council and Planning Commission, and leadership positions at Utah Valley University. Aside from serving as the House Majority Leader, Moss also serves as the Associate Commissioner of Innovation, Commercialization and Economic Development for the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) and as the managing director of the Utah Innovation Fund.
According to a media release, Moss will continue serving in the USHE in addition to leading GOEO.
'Jefferson Moss brings a rare combination of public service, private sector experience, and a deep understanding of innovation and education,' said Gov. Spencer Cox. 'He's been a driving force behind many of Utah's most forward-thinking initiatives, and I'm confident he'll lead the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity with the same vision, energy, and commitment to our state's future that have defined his career.'
In the coming weeks, the House Majority Caucus will hold a special leadership election to elect a new House Majority Leader. Republican delegates in Utah County will also meet to select a new representative to serve District 51.
Lindsay Aerts contributed to this report.
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