Utah House Majority Leader Jefferson Moss has resigned his seat in the Legislature effective May 30th to become executive director of the Governor’s Office Of Economic Opportunity (GOEO). Governor Spencer Cox announced the appointment Friday, May 9th.
Moss, has served in the Legislature since 2017 representing District 51. He is from Saratoga Springs and became Majority leader in 2023.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of House District 51 and the State of Utah,” Moss said in a statement. “I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve accomplished together to strengthen our economy, invest in education, and expand opportunity for Utah families.”
House Republicans are expected to caucus and elect a new majority leader in June after the resignation is official. Rep. Karianne Lisonbee of Syracuse currently serves as majority whip and is the next in line for majority leadership, however other lawmakers are weighing a bid for party leadership.
Utah County Republican delegates will vote to fill Moss’ House District 51 seat, with some saying the choice could come as soon as the May 31st Utah GOP convention.
Both Republican and Democrat colleagues spoke highly of Moss’ leadership in the legislature. Speaker Mike Schultz praised his “ability to bring people together, think outside the box and solve complex challenges,” while Democrats called him “a consistent partner on issues shaping Utah’s economic and policy landscape.”
The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity is a non profit economic development office that oversees a variety of initiatives including business recruitment and development, the Office of Tourism, Utah Film Commission, and the Utah Innovation Center. The GOEO boast of staff of more than 100 people.
Announcing the appointment, Gov. Cox praised Moss for his “rare combination of public service, private sector experience, and a deep understanding of innovation and education.”
Moss will also continue to serve as an associated commissioner at the Utah System of Higher Education. Moss will serve as interim Executive Director of the GOEO until he is confirmed by the Utah Senate.