Utah Democrats Condemn Nomination of Corrupt Politician Bruce Adams

October 8, 2024, Salt Lake City - Yesterday, San Juan County Commissioner Bruce Adams’ nomination to the Utah State Transportation Commission was approved in a party-line vote by the Utah Senate Transportation Confirmation Committee. 

In 2022, Adams, who was nominated by Republican Governor Spencer Cox, attempted to use his political position as a County Commissioner to intimidate a police officer into freeing Adams’ son, who was arrested on suspicion of violating the terms of his probation. Adams also wrote that environmentalists were the “greatest threat” to the nation.

Senator Nate Blouin, one of two Democrats who voted against the approval of Adams’ nomination, said “Public service is a privilege and should not be taken lightly. I’m disappointed in the appointment of Commissioner Bruce Adams to serve on Utah’s Transportation Committee, where he will make decisions impacting every corner of the state. By appointing Adams to the commission, Governor Cox has shown he values political favoritism over civility and that he’ll reward allies with important posts, even if it means elevating someone who misused their office to benefit a family member.” 

“Every Utahn agrees that our government should be free from corruption,” Utah Democratic Party Chair Diane Lewis said. “For Spencer Cox to appoint someone who has already used political power to attempt to thwart law enforcement is a sign that he cares more about scoring political points with anti-environmental extremists than keeping corrupt politicians out of our state government. I encourage Utahns to call their state senator and encourage them to vote against Adams’ confirmation when it comes before the full senate.”

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For more information, contact Mason Hughes at press@utdem.org or +1 (801) 830-0645.

The Utah Democratic Party is the face and voice of Democrats in the State of Utah. We believe that Utahns deserve strong, competent leadership that puts the people and democracy first.