STATEUtah · May 11, 2026
Gov. Spencer Cox Inaugurated as Utah's 18th Governor
Spencer Cox was sworn in as Utah's 18th governor, with Deidre Henderson as lieutenant governor, at an open-air ceremony at the Tuacahn Center for the Arts on January 4, 2021.
The Bottom Line
Gov. Cox and Lt. Gov. Henderson were inaugurated in a ceremony emphasizing unity and service to all Utahns, launching their term with a focus on reducing barriers to occupational licenses.
The Case For
- Gov. Cox emphasized unity, urging Utahns to overcome divisive partisanship and build a more inclusive community.
- Lt. Gov. Henderson highlighted her commitment to serving all Utahns and advocating for families and small businesses.
- The inaugural ceremony was held outdoors to address pandemic concerns and showcase the entire state, marking the first time it was held outside Salt Lake City.
The Case Against
None explicitly stated in the source.
Key Numbers
- Attendance was limited to less than 30 percent of the venue's 1,920 capacity.
- A 19-cannon salute was performed by the Utah National Guard.
Source Verification
This information comes from a press release on Utah.gov, the official website of the state of Utah.
Chat with the Document
Citizen+Have a specific question? Interview the brief — ask any question of the source document and get a cited answer. Available on Citizen and Advocate plans.
See plans → Citizen from $4.99/moSource receipt
✓ Quote-groundedUtah Governor Press Releases
https://governor.utah.gov/press/inauguration-2021-gov-spencer-cox-lt-gov-deidre-henderson-and-other-statewide-elected-officials-take-the-oath-of-office-at-tuacahn-center-of-the-arts
Quoted passages this brief is built from (5)
- "Gov. Spencer Cox was sworn in as Utah’s 18th governor and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson as the ninth Lt. Governor of Utah [in an open air ceremony at the Tuacahn Center for the Arts]"— IVINS, UTAH (Jan. 4, 2021)
- "Under the theme “One Utah,” Cox rejected [the divisive partisanship] that has been particularly prevalent in national politics and urged Utahns to work together to build a more inclusive, caring and respectful community."— Utah,” Cox rejected [the divisive
- "I am ready to get to work with Gov. Cox, to extend the Utah dream to every person living in every corner of our great state,” Henderson said. “As I take on the responsibilities of Lt. Governor, I will be building on the work I’ve done in the Utah Senate as a fierce advocate for Utah families and Utah’s small businesses."— “I am ready to get to work
- "Capacity at the outdoor venue is 1,920, but inaugural organizers limited attendance to less than 30 percent of seats in order to allow attendees to physically distance."— Capacity at the outdoor venue is
- "During a 20-minute stop in Fillmore, Gov. Cox signed his first Executive Order, Executive Order 2021-1, which requires state agencies to review all occupational licenses to remove unnecessary barriers to work."— During a 20-minute stop in