Utah Rep. Brad Wilson and Sen. Stuart Adams strolled into top posts in their respective legislative chambers Thursday without a single challenger to stand in their path.
Wilson, a self-described “accidental politician,” will lead the Utah House of Representatives, succeeding outgoing House Speaker Greg Hughes. Adams will take the place of exiting Senate President Wayne Niederhauser.
The two men were picked by fellow Republican lawmakers, who dominate both chambers of the Legislature. During the closed-door balloting, the legislators also elected new leadership teams for the GOP House and Senate caucuses.
As Wilson assumes the House speaker position, he’s focused on dealing with the state’s growth and what it means for Utah’s air quality, roadways and water, he said.