Democratic candidate Greg Skordas announced his candidacy for Utah Attorney General, vowing to challenge political division and what he described as 'pay to play' policies within the three most recent state attorney general administrations.
Motivations for Candidacy
Skordas, a lifelong Utah resident currently living in Eden, stated his decision to run stems from a desire to return to full-time public service. He criticized the current political climate, stating he can no longer watch the country be divided by a White House that bullies and intimidates leaders.
Legal and Prosecutorial Career
The candidate's professional background includes 38 years of legal practice since beginning his career in 1982 at the Salt Lake Legal Defenders Association. Skordas previously served for eight years in the Salt Lake County Attorney's office, where he rose to the position of First Assistant Salt Lake County Attorney.
Legislative and Court Contributions
During his tenure as a prosecutor, Skordas served as Utah's first gang prosecutor in 1992 and worked on legislation including the Serious Youth Offender Act. He also led a Special Victims Unit focused on prosecuting sex crimes and crimes against children. His work with the legislature helped promote victims' rights and established the Drug Court concept in Salt Lake County.
Law Enforcement and Community Work
Skordas has extensive experience working with law enforcement, having taught hundreds of hours at the Utah Police Academy (P.O.S.T.) and representing over 150 officers in cases involving the use of deadly force. He also maintains a connection to the community through the non-profit 'Friends of Drug Court,' an addiction recovery program he and his wife, Rebecca, organized 20 years ago.
Pro Bono and Private Practice
Skordas's legal practice includes work at Skordas Caston LLC in Salt Lake City. He was recognized as the pro bono attorney of the year by the Utah State Bar in 2017 for his work assisting individuals with evictions, mental health issues, and sexual assault survivors.
Education and Media Presence
In addition to his legal career, Skordas is a University of Utah alumnus with degrees in both Engineering and Law. He also serves as a host for the 'Inside Sources' podcast alongside Dr. Holly Richardson.
