Ryan Wilcox

Ryan Wilcox was born in Ogden, Utah. Wilcox earned a bachelor's degree from Weber State University in 2008. His career experience includes working in business management in the telecom and healthcare sectors, and as the Northern Utah director and senior policy advisor to U.S. Senator Mike Lee. Wilcox has been affiliated with the Ogden School Foundation, Follow the Flag North Ogden, and Scouts, BSA.[1]

Ryan Wilcox has not yet completed [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Send a message to Ryan Wilcox asking him to fill out the survey.

If you are Ryan Wilcox, click here to fill out [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who fills out the candidate survey?

Any candidate running for elected office, at any level, can complete [the profile publisher]'s Candidate Survey. Completing the survey will update the candidate's [the profile publisher] profile, letting voters know who they are and what they stand for.  More than 32,000 candidates have taken [the profile publisher]'s candidate survey since we launched it in 2015. Learn more about the survey here.

You can ask Ryan Wilcox to fill out this survey by using the button below or emailing ryan@votewilcox.com.

Ryan Wilcox did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Ryan Wilcox did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Video for [the profile publisher]

Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased October 22, 2020

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

A graduate of both Weber High and Weber State University, Ryan was raised on a dairy farm here in Weber County and has deep roots in our community. He and his wife Kristina are the proud parents of five children, ranging from a Senior in High School to a brand new kindergartner. With a lifelong music educator for a mother, and a wife who has served as both a teacher and librarian, (and all five children in our local schools) Ryan understands the importance of education. He currently serves on the board of the Ogden School Foundation, focused on raising critical funds from the private sector that bypass the bureaucracy of government and impact our students and teachers directly, based on classroom needs.

A former Utah State Legislator and Senior Policy Advisor and Director for U.S. Senate, Ryan understands federalism and the intersection between real-life and policy decisions. Ryan is a constitutionalist at heart and has written and passed numerous pieces of legislation to protect and reinforce our fundamental rights, including ensuring a balanced budget without a single tax increase as the Chair of the House Revenue and Taxation Committee. Ryan currently works in health care, focused on Community Health and wellness.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

We are all in this together! "Representation that Listens" is more than just a tagline. It is who I am. It's who I've been as your representative in the past, and who I'll be should I earn your vote.Doing More with Less: Ryan understands that Utah's economic well-being depends on keeping taxes low and more money in your pocket.Protecting Education: Ryan will protect education funding and look for ways to increase funding to the classroom. Ryan knows that a four-year degree isn't for everyone. Alternative education is vital.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

A graduate of both Weber High and Weber State University, Ryan was raised on a dairy farm here in Weber County and has deep roots in our community. He and his wife Kristina are the proud parents of five children, ranging from a Senior in High School to a brand new kindergartner. With a lifelong music educator for a mother, and a wife who has served as both a teacher and librarian, (and all five children in our local schools) Ryan understands the importance of education. He currently serves on the board of the Ogden School Foundation, focused on raising critical funds from the private sector that bypass the bureaucracy of government and impact our students and teachers directly, based on classroom needs.

A former Utah State Legislator and Senior Policy Advisor and Director for U.S. Senate, Ryan understands federalism and the intersection between real-life and policy decisions. Ryan is a constitutionalist at heart and has written and passed numerous pieces of legislation to protect and reinforce our fundamental rights, including ensuring a balanced budget without a single tax increase as the Chair of the House Revenue and Taxation Committee. Ryan currently works in health care, focused on Community Health and wellness.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My Dad. He is steady, consistent, hard-working, and honest. He truly loves those who he serves, and I want to be like him someday.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Yes. Several. They can be found here: https://votewilcox.com/library

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty. Judgment. Transparency. Sincerity. Clarity of purpose. Love of those you serve with and work for.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I listen, work well with others, and have a background and history of building consensus on difficult issues. I am a principled decision-maker committed to improving the lives of those I serve. I genuinely love people.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To listen to and work with your constituents to protect our basic rights, liberties, and freedom under the constitution. To do your best, and leave it better than you found it.

What legacy would you like to leave?

One of service and love. One that inspires those who work with me to be the best version of themselves.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Historical? I suppose that is probably the floods of 1983 that turned our farm into a lake, turned streets into rivers, and completely changed our landscape. Also, I appeared on television in my underwear, unaware that the helicopter was the tv news while I was playing in the mud. So there's that. (I was 5)

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Cleaning up the barn at the family dairy. Age 8-13.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Love Your Enemies, by Arthur Brooks. Because it is sooooo needed right now.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Scot Harvath

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Don't Stop Believin' - Journey

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

This year? Learning to walk again after a devastating automobile accident that nearly took my life.

Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?

The most important difference is that the House represents a far smaller number of people, allowing for more regular interaction and connection with the district. The Senate, by design, moves more slowly and is more deliberate.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes. I believe that a varied experience and background is beneficial, in both the private and public sectors.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

First, managing the budgetary concerns with a growing population and increased demands between the various sectors of the budget required entitlement spending and education. Second, Natural Resource management, particularly water management in a desert environment with an expected doubling of our population in the next 30 years. I am particularly concerned about food security with the attacks on agriculture and the ever-increasing pressure to develop agricultural land. If we do not plan for the future, we will lose our ability to provide the basics of life for our own people.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

The governor is the executive. Ideally, they would work with the legislature to develop sound policy, and execute the law as passed by the legislature. In order for it to be a healthy relationship, it needs to be a partnership, with both branches committed to honoring their constitutional obligations.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

As a legislator, you are one of 104. It is literally impossible to succeed in such a body without building strong relationships with your colleagues.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

One that respects each individual citizen through a fair and open process.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Yes. I would like to return to the Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Committee, and the Public Utilities and Technology Committee, while serving on the Business and Labor, Education, or Natural Resources Appropriations Committee.

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

I am open to that.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I don't know about that. I served with some amazing legislators. I suppose if I could be a cross between Speaker Becky Lockhart, Rep. John Dougall, and Minority Leader Jen Seelig, that I'd be doing pretty well. Mostly I would want to be a better version of myself, improving as I go.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No.

Aubree Jo Anderson's story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX-HsFknQ_Q&t=3s

Wilcox's website highlighted the following campaign themes:[4]

Excerpt: "Education as the foundation of our future"

Excerpt: "The Second Amendment"

Excerpt: "Family as the fundamental unit of society"

Excerpt: "Limited Government"

Excerpt: "Private Property"