FireCity Illusion
  • FireCity Illusion
  • February 13 2026 Edition
    • Business
    • Community
    • Events
    • Films and Movies
    • Politics >
      • Big Wins as Gas Prices
      • 57 Times Democrats Declared War on Law Enforcement
      • Walz is Wrong
      • President Trump Puts Real Food First
    • Sports >
      • Philadelphia's 1st Big Soccer Event of 2026
    • Travel
    • Visual Arts
    • Alabama >
      • Gov Ivey Special Guests State of State Address
    • Alaska >
      • Rural Health Transformation Convening
    • Connecticut >
      • Gov Lamont Statement Work to Resume Revolution Wind
      • Gov Lamont Applauds Bipartisan Congressional Vote
      • Gov Lamont Statement on iCE Killing
      • Gov Lamont Statement Trump Adminstration Withdrawl
    • Michigan >
      • Gov Whitmer Attends Christening Ceremony USNS Lansing
    • Missouri >
      • Gov Kehoe to Expand Broadband Access
    • Tennessee >
      • Gov Lee Visit National Guard Forces
      • Gov Lee Short Film Tennessee The Original Frontier
    • Utah >
      • Utah US Forest Service Strengthen Stewardship National Forests
  • Independent Creators
  • About
  • Archives 2026
  • Archives 2025
  • Archives 2024
  • Archives 2023
  • Archives 2022
  • Surreal ValeCity

​Gov. Cox takes oath for second term, says ‘now is the time to build’

Picture
SALT LAKE CITY (Jan. 8, 2025) – Today, in a public inauguration ceremony at Eccles Theater, Gov. Spencer J. Cox was sworn in for his second term as Utah’s 18th governor and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson as the ninth Lt. Governor of Utah. Chief Justice Matthew B. Durrant of the Utah Supreme Court administered the Oath of Office to Gov. Cox, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, Utah Attorney General Derek Brown, Utah State Auditor Tina Cannon and Utah State Treasurer Marlo Oaks.

The ceremony celebrated the values and pioneering spirit that define Utah, weaving together personal stories, musical performances and reflections on achievements from the past four years.

In his inaugural address, Gov. Cox laid out a bold vision for the next four years. The Governor emphasized that Utah’s success lies not in government initiatives, but in the strength of its people, families and communities.

Referring to Utah’s many accolades, Gov. Cox said, “Utah is number one because of its people. It is our faith, families and communities that create the social capital making all other successes possible.” He called on Utahns to turn that social capital into action, saying, “If we want a future where the American Dream is available for the next generation, we must be builders: one family, one neighborhood and one community at a time.”

Building a vision for Utah
Gov. Cox shared three overarching goals for his second term, captured in his “People, Place and Prosperity” vision:

  1. People: Build a future of health and opportunity for every Utahn by fostering innovation, supporting education, improving wellness and ensuring community progress.
  2. Place: Build neighborhoods and communities where the American Dream thrives by preserving Utah’s unique pioneer spirit, promoting responsible growth and enhancing quality of life.
  3. Prosperity: Build an economy that celebrates entrepreneurs, rural Utah, education and the spirit of service, ensuring sustainable growth and economic resilience for future generations.

“Utah must remain a beacon of opportunity and freedom. Together, we will make sure every Utahn can achieve the American Dream, while preserving what makes this state special,” Gov. Cox said.

Further details on Gov. Cox’s second term priorities can be found here.

Inauguration of statewide officials
The ceremony welcomed the inauguration of Utah’s constitutional officers, with Lt. Gov. Henderson also being sworn in for her second term. Over the past four years Lt. Gov Henderson has championed transparency, voter engagement and support for Utah families. “I am filled with gratitude for the chance I’ve had to help lead this great state and humbled by the trust placed in me by Governor Cox and the people of Utah to continue serving as lieutenant governor for another term,” Henderson said.

Derek Brown took the Oath of Office as Utah’s new Attorney General. With extensive legal and public policy experience, including serving as legal counsel to two U.S. senators and working at two international law firms, Brown emphasized his commitment to protecting Utahns’ rights and upholding the rule of law. “I’m honored to serve and protect the values that make Utah great,” Brown said.

Tina Cannon made history as the first Republican woman independently elected to statewide office in Utah. With a distinguished record of public service and financial expertise, Cannon is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in state government. “I will work tirelessly to safeguard the public’s trust and ensure that taxpayer dollars are used wisely,” Cannon said.

Reelected to a second term, Marlo Oaks brings a wealth of institutional investment expertise to his role, overseeing Utah’s $36 billion in state investments. “I remain dedicated to strengthening Utah’s financial future and ensuring our state continues to lead in fiscal responsibility,” Oaks said.

A ceremony of music and personal reflection
The ceremony featured musical tributes, including a rendition of “America the Beautiful” by Academia Mis Raíces and Esperanza Elementary and “Bring Him Home,” performed by Dallyn Vail Bayles.  The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square performed “Homeward Bound” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic” to bring the event to a close.

In a touching moment, Gov. Cox introduced the individuals who shaped his youth in Fairview. “They didn’t ask what their community could do for them. They asked what they could do for their community,” he said. As Gov. Cox embarks on his second term, he pledged to focus on building a future where Utah remains a leader in innovation, opportunity, and service. “Utah’s best days still lie ahead. Now is the time to build,” Gov. Cox declared.
​
Picture
​Ready for reliable and friendly service in a towing company? Combined with competitive rates? Call Force 1 Towing and Auto Body in Catasauqua at 610-266-6721​
© 2026 Michael Phoenix
  • FireCity Illusion
  • February 13 2026 Edition
    • Business
    • Community
    • Events
    • Films and Movies
    • Politics >
      • Big Wins as Gas Prices
      • 57 Times Democrats Declared War on Law Enforcement
      • Walz is Wrong
      • President Trump Puts Real Food First
    • Sports >
      • Philadelphia's 1st Big Soccer Event of 2026
    • Travel
    • Visual Arts
    • Alabama >
      • Gov Ivey Special Guests State of State Address
    • Alaska >
      • Rural Health Transformation Convening
    • Connecticut >
      • Gov Lamont Statement Work to Resume Revolution Wind
      • Gov Lamont Applauds Bipartisan Congressional Vote
      • Gov Lamont Statement on iCE Killing
      • Gov Lamont Statement Trump Adminstration Withdrawl
    • Michigan >
      • Gov Whitmer Attends Christening Ceremony USNS Lansing
    • Missouri >
      • Gov Kehoe to Expand Broadband Access
    • Tennessee >
      • Gov Lee Visit National Guard Forces
      • Gov Lee Short Film Tennessee The Original Frontier
    • Utah >
      • Utah US Forest Service Strengthen Stewardship National Forests
  • Independent Creators
  • About
  • Archives 2026
  • Archives 2025
  • Archives 2024
  • Archives 2023
  • Archives 2022
  • Surreal ValeCity