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- Rep. Casey Snider is elected Utah House GOP majority leader, replacing former Rep. Jefferson Moss.
- Rep. Candice Pierucci becomes majority whip and Rep. Bridger Bolinder is majority assistant whip.
- The shakeup comes after Moss resigned his seat in the Legislature to work for Gov. Spencer Cox.
SALT LAKE CITY — Rep. Casey Snider will replace former Rep. Jefferson Moss as the majority leader of the House Republican caucus after Moss stepped down last month to take a cabinet role with Gov. Spencer Cox.
Snider, a Republican from Paradise who previously served as majority assistant whip, and House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, are the only holdovers from the previous leadership team. Rep. Candice Pierucci will replace Rep. Karianne Lisonbee as majority whip and Rep. Bridger Bolinder was elected to fill Snider's old post as majority assistant whip.
"I am excited to work alongside this new leadership team as we represent our caucus and work on behalf of all Utahns," Schultz said in a statement after the caucus held closed-door leadership elections Tuesday evening. "Congratulations to Rep. Snider, Rep. Pierucci and Rep. Bolinder. This leadership team stands ready to work on behalf of all Utahns."
The leaders represent a new guard within the House GOP: Snider was appointed to the House in 2018 and Pierucci, R-Herriman, in 2019. Bolinder was sworn in to represent Grantsville in 2023 and is in only his second term in office.
Snider said he is "honored" to lead the Republican caucus and "grateful for the opportunity to serve. Our leadership team is committed to serving the members of our caucus and the people of Utah with integrity and foresight as we continue to advance meaningful policy for the benefit of every Utahn."
Members of House and Senate leadership are elected from within the caucus, though the House speaker and Senate president are voted on by members of the majority and minority parties. Candidates for leadership can only throw their hat in the ring for one position.
Lisonbee, R-Syracuse, the former majority whip, told KSL.com last month she would resign that role to run for majority leader, but after losing the race to Snider, she will no longer hold a leadership seat.
"I am thankful for the trust our majority caucus has placed in me," said Pierucci, the new whip. "Our leadership team is energized and ready to represent our caucus as we work to make a lasting impact for families and communities across our state."
"It's an honor to earn the trust of my colleagues," Bolinder said. "I'm eager to get to work, to listen and to help ensure every voice in our caucus, and every Utahn, is represented."
The new leadership team did not speak to the press Tuesday, but is expected to hold a press conference during interim meetings later this month.
