Sen. Evan Vickers to Lead Utah Senate After Shifting Political Landscape
A dramatic political shift in Utah has paved the way for the first southern Utah state Senate leader in seven decades, according to reporting by The Salt Lake Tribune.
Sen. Evan Vickers of Cedar City is set to succeed Sen. J. Stuart Adams as Utah Senate President. The transition follows a primary defeat for Adams in June, where he lost his Republican primary to Sen.-elect Stephanie Hollist after facing backlash over his role in approving a controversial Box Elder County data center project.
The path to the presidency cleared when Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore, who was the only other contender for the position, appeared certain to be upset in his reelection bid. Latest vote totals show Cullimore trailing Democrat Shana Anderson by 13.3 percentage points.
Sen. Don Ipson, R-St. George, pointed to Vickers’ collaborative track record as an asset for the caucus.
He not only brings everybody in the caucus along, but everybody in the Senate. He lets the minority party have a voice.
Ipson called the development the best thing for the state and certainly the best thing for southern Utah.
From Cedar City Pharmacy to the State’s Top Legislative Post
Vickers brings a distinct background to the rostrum. A pharmacist who owns Bulloch Drug, Township Pharmacy, and four other stores in Cedar City. His legislative career began in the House in 2008, where he served two terms before running for the Senate in 2012. Back in 2019, Adams’ GOP colleagues selected him to serve as Senate Majority Leader, a post he maintained until Cullimore defeated him in a 2025 leadership vote. He won 76% of the vote in his election this week.
Throughout his time in office, Vickers has spearheaded policy efforts focused on wildfire prevention, medical marijuana, pharmacy regulations, and professional licensing.
The last southern Utah senator to serve as president was Orval Hafen in 1957. Rep. Dave Clark, from Santa Clara, was the House Speaker from 2008 to 2011.
Southern Utah Leaders Anticipate a New Voice in State Policy
Elected officials across Washington and Beaver counties expressed optimism that having a regional leader in the presidency will reshape legislative priorities. Beaver County Commissioner Tammy Pearson noted that southern Utah’s tourism-based economies, high density of public lands, and smaller populations present unique resource challenges compared to the Wasatch Front.
St. George Mayor Jimmie Hughes emphasized the practical value of regional representation, stating that what the region is most looking forward to is being able to have a seat at the table and not having to say, “Hey, wait, remember us down here.”
Hughes added that while northern leaders have paid more attention to the region in recent years, having a leader closer to home who understands local infrastructure and water demands remains crucial.
Washington County Commissioner Adam Snow echoed those sentiments, stating that leadership access is vital for securing state support on Virgin River water rights, regional transportation, and economic development. Washington City Mayor Kress Staheli also praised Vickers as an experienced and thoughtful leader who can work across party lines.
The formal election for the leadership positions is scheduled for Friday evening.
