Father. Recovering Attorney. Bassist. 18th Governor of Utah. Happy. Personal account. All posts are my own and not an official position of the State of Utah.
It was an honor to deliver my annual State of the State speech this week. I hope you will take a few minutes to watch. It’s about how profoundly weird Utah is and how we can keep it that way.
“My friends, the State of the State is as strong as it’s ever been. And I’m convinced…
I’m not sure this has ever been done before...but as our national political dialogue continues to decline, my opponent
@PetersonUtah
and I decided to try something different. We can disagree without hating each other. Let’s make Utah an example to the nation.
#StandUnited
#utpol
Can’t sleep tonight. I know I shouldn’t tweet. But I’m angry. And sad. I hate what we’ve become. My wife wants to go & hold babies & read to lonely/scared/sad kids. I want to punch someone. Political tribalism is stupid. It sucks & it’s dangerous. We are all part of the problem.
Hey guys, please ignore this type of garbage. The truth is that elections are never decided on election night. In Utah (and most states) it takes 2 weeks to finalize counting and certify results. It really doesn’t matter who is ahead on election night, it only matters when...1/
a point Jason Miller made this morning: "President Trump will be ahead on election night, probably getting 280 electoral somewhere in that range, and then they're going to try to steal it back after the election." 1/2
This rhetoric is destructive and wrong and—honestly—evil. We don’t need a divorce, we need marriage counseling. And we need elected leaders that don’t profit by tearing us apart. We can disagree without hate. Healthy conflict was critical to our nation’s founding and survival.
I know most won’t read past a headline but please read my veto letter—especially if you disagree with me. The veto will be overridden on Friday and then we will have a special session to fix a few things. Trans sports is a terribly difficult issue. Please be kind to everyone. 1/
I want to thank Chris for his willingness to record these PSA’s with me. No matter who wins the presidential election, we must all commit to a peaceful transfer of power and working together. So please vote and then let’s
#standunited
for a better America.
Today
@SpencerJCox
and I are releasing joint public service ads on civility in politics. Working together and the peaceful transfer of power are integral to what it means to be American. Let's reforge our national commitment to decency and democracy.
#utpol
#standunited
Turn off cable news forever. Get off Facebook (at least stop political posts). Ask “how would I react if the other party did this” before forming an opinion. Get to know, listen to & love someone different. Elect people that don’t care about getting re-elected. Run for office.
Abby and I wish a heart-felt congratulations to
@JoeBiden
and
@KamalaHarris
on the election call today. Thank you for your commitment to unite us all. We pray for you and promise to work with you to benefit the people of Utah. 1/
Really disappointed in the behavior we saw from missionary families at the SLC airport tonight. I get it, I’ve been there (and still have a child serving), but this is unacceptable. In a time of shared sacrifice, we must do better to save lives.
#SocialDistancing
Some in my party are doing and supporting things I never thought possible. You won’t believe me, but your party is capable of it too. We get what we deserve. If we want change, we have to change ourselves.
Never dreamed I would have protestors at my home in Fairview. But we don’t get many visitors, so if you make the long drive, the least we can do is make you cookies and hot chocolate. I’m glad I got a chance to tell them I love them even if we disagree on masks.
#OneUtah
Welp. We screwed up. Because of a reporting error we have not yet hit 70% on our adult vaccinations. I promised to admit our mistakes and hold us accountable. I hope you will forgive us—and know we have made changes to ensure it won’t happen again.
Wow. I woke up to a lot of people feeling pain & anger. LOVE YOU ALL! I know my party owns this. POTUS can stop this now. Congress must work together. Gov. Herbert & I are doing everything we can. We must lift the hands that hang down, reunite & mend the broken hearts. ✊🏼❤️
Can’t sleep tonight. I know I shouldn’t tweet. But I’m angry. And sad. I hate what we’ve become. My wife wants to go & hold babies & read to lonely/scared/sad kids. I want to punch someone. Political tribalism is stupid. It sucks & it’s dangerous. We are all part of the problem.
...every eligible vote is counted and each county canvasses and certifies the vote totals. Yes it’s true that when a race isn’t close the media may “call” the race, and candidates may concede or declare custody, but such actions are technically meaningless. 2/
Just received a gracious call from
@JonHuntsman
conceding the race. Thanks to all of you for making today happen. We still have much work to do. And we will do it together.
#OneUtah
Good morning Utah! I hope you all slept more than me. Just a little reminder that there is nothing nefarious about it taking a few days to count all legitimate votes. So take a deep breath and look for the good around you. 🇺🇸👊🏼
Hey guys, please ignore this type of garbage. The truth is that elections are never decided on election night. In Utah (and most states) it takes 2 weeks to finalize counting and certify results. It really doesn’t matter who is ahead on election night, it only matters when...1/
Finally, remember there is no such thing as a national election. Every election is a county election ran by a county clerk. We have 29 of them in Utah working their guts out right now. They are great people and true pros. So be kind and patient. And ignore the conspiracies. /end
Room full of kids so we paused the halftime show to strategically fast forward and I didn’t wait long enough and we’re suddenly watching pole dancing and Abby is giving me the stink eye like I’m the choreographer.
“The spirit of liberty is the spirit which is not too sure that it is right; the spirit of liberty is the spirit which seeks to understand the minds of other men and women.” --Judge Learned Hand
Ok friends...
@AbbyPalmerCox
and I want you to know first. It’s time. We’ve decided to run for Governor - and we cant do it without you! Please visit to join the team and donate. Oh and please retweet. Let’s go.
#VoteCox
In my 2008 race for Sanpete County commission, because of provisional and absentee ballots, we didn’t know the final outcome until it was announced at the canvas meeting two weeks after the election. That didn’t mean someone was trying to steal it—it’s just how elections work. 4/
We will do our part to push back on the Russian invaders and stand with our sisters and brothers in Ukraine. Effective immediately all Russian-made products will be removed from state-run liquor stores. We will also review all state procurements for any Russian ties. 🇺🇦
While it’s true that vote-by-mail may make it more difficult to call a close race on election night as many legally postmarked ballots arrive late (like the Utah GOP primary this year, where it took 6 days for the AP to call our race), this was also common before vote-by-mail. 3/
Of course it should go without saying that this is hilariously idiotic and completely false. Sadly it’s also dangerous. I’m grateful for our incredible elections officials that keep our elections secure. Please visit your county clerk to see the truth about elections.
I didn’t see the President’s press conference. However, elections are the foundation of our country. Please don’t believe unfounded allegations that destroy trust in the process. We must be patient while every legal vote is counted, accept the results and move forward together.
Can I share some hopeful news? While case counts are decreasing across the state, we have seen a much sharper decline (approx 26%) among healthcare workers the past few days. Since they were 1st to receive the vaccine, this is the first real evidence we have that it’s working!👊
[personal religious tweet]
The leader of my church just gave one of the most important messages I can remember about building instead of destroying and disagreeing better. It was a masterclass in solving our toxic divide and fixing what is broken in our country. I will do better.
(He’s not wrong. Also, as someone who studied election law in law school and has overseen dozens of election cases/disputes, this legal team is…um…not great. I mean the failure to be prepared for a level-of-scrutiny question made every 1st yr law student either cringe or lol.)
"Quite frankly, the conduct of the President's legal team has been a national embarrassment," said
@GovChristie
on ABC. “They allege fraud outside the courtroom, but when they go inside the courtroom, they don't plead fraud and they don't argue fraud.”
On behalf of the 3+ million citizens of the State of Utah: HAPPY BIRTHDAY
@spidadmitchell
! Thank you for proving that you can be both a transcendent athlete and an even better human being.
@utahjazz
#TakeNote
The good news is that now, thanks to changes by our legislature, we get updates as new ballots are processed almost every day after the election until every ballot is counted. 5/
My heart is broken. I spoke with Staff Sgt. Hoover’s parents today. I told them Utah mourned with them. When I asked how we could help, his dad simply replied, “Just promise me Utah will never forget my son.”
I did.
Please help me keep my promise. 💔🇺🇸
We are devastated to hear of the passing of Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover, who served valiantly as a Marine and died serving his fellow countrymen as well as America’s allies in Afghanistan.
I hope you will take time to listen to what I actually said. But look folks, if you’re outraged by a private individual trying to help disadvantaged minority kids go to college, then I’m definitely not your guy.
You can listen to today's “Let Me Speak to The Governor” segment here:
For full context on the
@utahjazz
scholarship question, start at the 35:55 mark.
Guys I hate to brag but just had my greatest accomplishment. Notorious for pushing the boundaries of my gas tank I knew I needed gas leaving SG but thought I could make Beaver. Ran out 1/4 mile from the exit, coasted up the ramp & rolled to a stop directly in front of the pump.🎯
If I threw my wife under the bus like this, she would *literally* throw me under a bus. In fact, she would probably rent a bus and run me over multiple times.
1/ I’m deeply saddened to see our tribalistic discourse devolve into “saves lives” vs “save the economy.” This is a FALSE CHOICE. Please don’t get sucked in. Not only are they not opposites, the truth is they are deeply intertwined.
I recently received a call from
@HarmonsGrocery
letting me know that they had found thousands of N95 masks in a warehouse...and were hoping they could just donate them to the state. Calls like that are happening every day. I love this state and you amazing people. ❤️👊🏼
[personal religious tweet] Not being able to worship together these past 3 weeks has been more difficult than I could have imagined. I’ve never been more grateful for the spiritual nourishment that will come from being *remotely together* at
#GeneralConference
this weekend. ❤️🙏🏼
I wasn’t home to see it, but when the town cop (yes we only have one) and what seems every car in town shows up to welcome your son home, you know you live in a very special place. I’ve always believed the world could use a little more Fairview.❤️😭
Today was our best-case scenario as many agitating groups cancelled their plans and those that came were peaceful. I join Utahns everywhere in gratitude for the men and women of the National Guard and Law Enforcement who came to protect the People’s House. 🇺🇸
Last week I saw American Exceptionalism at work as governors from all across the country met with the President to solve problems. We didn’t agree on everything, but we disagreed better. And we found ideas to bring us together. I still believe this is what Americans want.
🧵I know many people are concerned and curious about vaccine effectiveness and breakthrough infections. This IHC data for the last 30 days is stunning. It turns out the raw numbers of breakthrough cases/hospitalizations/deaths don’t tell the whole story. 1/
I don’t just mean civility and kindness (although we definitely need more of that too). I mean passionate disagreement that doesn’t destroy our souls and our country. Healthy conflict is good and foundational. But we must be Americans first and partisans second (or last).
This morning Utah officially crossed the 1 million mark for vaccine doses delivered! This is an incredible milestone and speaks to the dedication of our public health teams and private partners. Thanks to everyone who stepped up in a historic way. We are just getting started.
I don’t have any info outside of what is being reported this morning, but our hearts are broken for Ty Jordan and his family. Over the past few weeks he completely won this Aggie over...our family watched so we didn’t miss a single carry. Prayers for his family and teammates.💔🙏
No matter what you think of me, I promise you will love our new First Lady. There is nobody kinder, more empathetic and more willing to sacrifice for our state. She’s been my best friend since we were 16 and my world revolves around her. Happy birthday
@AbbyPalmerCox
!❤️
So...If I criticize Shaq and let him know that he doesn’t have what it takes to be a good TV commentator...maybe he will get better? You’re welcome TNT.
#leadership
Shaq on Donovan: "Hell of a player. I never hate, I just try to give constructive criticism. My whole career I've been a leader and I motivate my players a certain way. So, you're welcome Utah."
A very brave mom in my church who recently lost her baby stood before the congregation today and said this: “I know that God loves us. And sometimes he shows us his love by giving us crushing challenges and then holding us while helping us through them.” ❤️
And it looks like some stuff happened while I was away this week. This piece responds better than I could. If you have to doctor a video to make a kind gesture to a nervous kid look bad, that says more about you than me: What did Tucker Carlson get wrong?
I’m sickened and devastated at the scenes coming out of Afghanistan and at the terrible miscalculation by our government. While there isn’t much Utah can do, we can open our homes and hearts to the brave people that stood by our military heroes. God help us. Utah stands ready.
Update from the Red Cross noting a few problems: 1) Big waiting list...of people that want to HELP and provide shelter for others. 2) TOO MANY donations. Please stop for now. 3) 6,000 people evacuated and no one staying at the shelter.
Well done Utah. Well done.😊 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
As Reagan said: “These visitors…do not come as white or black…they are not Jews or Christians; conservatives or liberals; or Democrats or Republicans. They are Americans awed by what has gone before, proud of what for them is still … a shining city on a hill.”
We had to leave this neighborhood because of thick smoke and intense flames—convinced that many homes would be lost. But these heroes from every jurisdiction jumped in and held things off until the wind shifted. Somehow they saved every single one.
#KnollsFire
Have you ever been frustrated (terrified) in a heavy downpour on I-15 at night when the lane marking seem to disappear? Me too. And so, today, I’m excited to announce the largest reflective lane striping project in our state’s history!
Guess what?
Our largest-ever pavement striping project is improving the lane markings on I-15 and other Wasatch Front freeways! Watch this to see how it’s done.
@GovCox
I’ve been an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ my entire life, including being a bishop in my church and I have no idea what the Guardian is talking about. I can assure you this is not a thing. So weird.
I didn’t expect to cry today. Jerry wouldn’t like that. I’m heartbroken. Much will be written and said about him, but this is all you need to know. They say you should never meet your heros...but over the past few years I did. And he was everything I hoped he would be.
#TakeNote
A piece of my heart is on it’s way to Brazil tonight for an incredible adventure to learn from and serve the wonderful people there. Godspeed my boy. ❤️🥲
And so, on this Presidents’ Day may we remember the sacrifice of those who died to preserve us a nation and all commit to rediscover our better angels as ONE nation, under God with Liberty and Justice for ALL.
I still can’t believe we live in a world where all sports are cancelled for months and the only sports-related thing that everyone can watch together is a documentary celebrating the most painful sporting events of my lifetime. Hang in there fellow
@utahjazz
fans.👊🏼❤️
And finally, remember we are Americans first today. If your team lost, reach out and congratulate a friend on the other side. If your team won, reach out and reassure a friend on the other side. Here’s to 4 years of working together as one nation.🇺🇸 /end
Me: It’s my big day!
Abby: Great. I need you move the wheel line and then go buy dog food and salt for the water softener.
Me: But it’s my big...
Abby:
[Thread] I’ve spoken often about how politics has become a religion for far too many people...but I’m equally worried that it is becoming something else: Sport. While many are concerned that sports has become too political, I’m worried that politics has become too sporty. 1/
Good morning friends. Let’s all look for our better angels today. Take breaks from social media and the news. Exercise and call a friend. One day at a time.
I love you. ❤️🙏🏼
I’m really baffled by the pessimism we keep hearing from DC. Almost all the science (including concerns about variants) is overwhelmingly positive. With vaccine numbers soaring, I truly believe that we will be celebrating maskless in large groups by the 4th (if not sooner).
Hearing from
@GovCox
that most counties are on the cusp of moving from high to moderate
#COVID
restrictions. Should be back to normal by the 4th of July.
#freedom
Only caught the second half. That was dumb. And sad. I still believe in our country and our better angels. May we each strive to be better individually than what we saw tonight.