On the Site:

LOCAL NEWS

Why former Utah Gov. Gary Herbert is backing a new candidate for AG after appointing Sean Reyes

Nov 20, 2023, 9:27 PM | Updated: Nov 21, 2023, 11:26 am

SALT LAKE CITY — The race for attorney general may still be a year away but it’s already heating up.

Former Utah Republican Party Chair Derek Brown is the first contender to say he’s exploring a run, and his effort is being led by former Utah Gov. Gary Herbert.

Former Utah GOP Chairman Derek Brown considering run against Attorney General Sean Reyes

The move is seen as by political insiders a significant step in drumming up support for Brown. It was Herbert who appointed current Attorney General Sean Reyes to office 11 years ago. So why is he now backing another candidate who could replace him?

Herbert said the move is less about what Reyes has done, or is accused of doing, and more about what Brown can bring to the seat.

“This is more about, I believe in Derek has a good man who’s got good legal experience and a good experience of managing an office.”

Term limits

Herbert says he’s a big believer in term limits, and after 11 years in office he believes it’s time for a change.

“I do believe that Sean Reyes was the right guy at the right time when I appointed him. And now we’ve had the 10 or 11 years go by. And so the question now, is he still the right guy?”

Herbert was asked if he regrets his decision to appoint Reyes.

“Not at all,” he said “Again, as I’ve said, he was the right guy at the right time.”

Brown’s experience

Herbert touted that Brown’s experience working for “a couple of prestigious law firms,” his time in Washington, D.C. with Sen. Mike Lee and his time as the chairman of the Republican party.

Reyes has recently faced questions over his friendship with Operation Underground Railroad founder Tim Ballard who is accused in multiple sexual assault lawsuits.

Utah AG Sean Reyes releases statement on allegations of sexual misconduct against Tim Ballard

Reyes also faces a state audit with two dozen lawmakers demanding to know whether that relationship impacted his impartiality or involved any state resources.

One of those lawsuits also accused Reyes of witness tampering, which Reyes has denied.

“I think there’s always some question marks out there. I think we’re all confused and puzzled,” Herbert said.

The support is significant

Local political analysts like Taylor Morgan believe Herbert backing Brown is significant.

“If I’m former Gov. Gary Herbert, I’m not happy with how Sean Reyes has acted in this office. It’s a poor reflection, and frankly, an embarrassment on the legacy of former Gov. Gary Herbert that is otherwise sterling,” Morgan said.

Reyes’ longtime campaign manager Alan Crooks provided a statement from Reyes via text.

“Derek has been a friend for years. He is an honorable man, if he decides to officially get into the race…I wish him the best,” Reyes said.

Brown is just the first to dip his toe in this race, others, Morgan believes, are likely to jump in too.

“I do think that this will be a crowded field,” Morgan said. “Anytime you have a sitting office holder that gets into trouble with these accusations, the alleged misbehavior of Sean Reyes, he’s seen as being very, very vulnerable.”

Candidates must officially file with the state in January.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Two BASE jumpers were rescued by 
 search and rescue personnel in separate incidents last week near...

Mark Jones

Two BASE jumpers injured last week in separate incidents near Moab

The Grand County Sheriff's Office says a 37-year-old BASE jumper was injured in a fall last week, and another jumper suffered ankle and wrist injuries in a separate incident. 

2 hours ago

KSL Yule Log Powered By FM100.3...

KSL TV

WATCH: FM100.3 Christmas Concert featuring Eclipse 6 and GENTRI

SANDY — FM100.3 presents their Christmas Concert Series at the Shops at South Town from noon to 1 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. Tuesday’s concert features two Utah-based groups: Eclipse 6 and GENTRI. Eclipse is a Utah-based acapella group, that began at Utah State University in 2000. The group consists of: James Case, Paul Hansen, […]

3 hours ago

Rep.-elect Celeste Maloy will be sworn in as a member of the House of Representatives on Tuesday ev...

Bridger Beal-Cvetko

Celeste Maloy to be sworn in by Speaker Mike Johnson Tuesday night

Rep.-elect Celeste Maloy will be sworn in to represent Utah's 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday evening, just one week after her special election victory.

3 hours ago

An irrigation control wheel to allow or prevent water from running through ditches...

Dan Rascon and Larry D. Curtis

Great Salt Lake: Utah farmers adapting to survive drought, changing water laws

According to the USDA, more than 500 Utah farms went out of business between 2017 and 2022 while Utah goes through decades of drought. New Utah laws change a long-standing policy of 'use it or lose it.'

4 hours ago

(Photo courtesy: Sadie Poarch)...

Lauren Steinbrecher

Utah family stranded while cutting Christmas tree rescued by strangers

A family is thanking the good Samaritans who rescued them in the mountains after the family became stranded while looking for a Christmas tree.

7 hours ago

After a crash that left a 12-year-old dirt bike rider dead on a state road just outside of city lim...

Andrew Adams

Grantsville officials stepping up efforts to avoid another tragedy

After a crash that left a 12-year-old dirt bike rider dead on a state road just outside of city limits, the mayor said he wanted to step up education and enforcement efforts in town in hopes of avoiding another tragedy in the future.

16 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Users display warnings about the use of artificial intelligence (AI), access to malicious software ...

Les Olson

How to Stay Safe from Cybersecurity Threats

Read our tips for reading for how to respond to rising cybersecurity threats in 2023 and beyond to keep yourself and your company safe.

Design mockup half in white and half in color of luxury house interior with open plan living room a...

Lighting Design

Lighting Design 101: Learn the Basics

These lighting design basics will help you when designing your home, so you can meet both practical and aesthetic needs.

an antler with large horns int he wilderness...

Three Bear Lodge

Yellowstone in the Fall: A Wildlife Spectacle Worth Witnessing

While most people travel to this park in the summer, late fall in Yellowstone provides a wealth of highlights to make a memorable experience.

a diverse group of students raising their hands in a classroom...

Little Orchard Preschool

6 Benefits of Preschool for Kids

Some of the benefits of preschool for kids include developing independence, curiosity, and learning more about the world.

Why former Utah Gov. Gary Herbert is backing a new candidate for AG after appointing Sean Reyes