Governor Spencer J. Cox announced Tuesday the appointments of Jay T. Jorgensen and Stephen P. Dent to the Utah Supreme Court, filling two vacancies created by recent legislative expansion of the state's highest court.
Expansion of the Supreme Court
The two new seats were established during the 2026 legislative session to expand the Utah Supreme Court from five to seven justices. The expansion aims to support the judiciary and ensure the court can provide timely reviews of cases with statewide importance, according to a press release from the Governor's office.
Profile of Jay T. Jorgensen
Jay T. Jorgensen, who serves as senior counsel for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was selected following a review by the Appellate Judicial Nominating Commission. Governor Cox described Jorgensen as one of Utah's brightest legal minds, noting his previous experience as an executive at Walmart and Coupang, Inc., as well as his time clerking for U.S. Supreme Court Justice William H. Rehnquist.
Profile of Stephen P. Dent
Stephen P. Dent, currently a deputy criminal chief in the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Utah, was also selected through the commission's review process. The Governor stated that Dent's record reflects a commitment to public service and careful legal reasoning.
The judicial selection process
The appointments follow an initial announcement on April 30, 2026, when the Appellate Judicial Nominating Commission released a list of 12 nominees for the vacancies. The selection process involves a merit-based system where the commission refers names to the Governor, who then makes the appointment.
Senate confirmation requirements
Under the Utah Constitution, both Jorgensen and Dent must be confirmed by the Utah Senate. The Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee will review their records and hold hearings before presenting the appointments to the full Senate for a vote.
