Southern Utah University hosted Utah’s Attorney General Debate, where four candidates answered questions about how they plan to run the office if elected. Michelle Quist, Rudy Bautista, Derek Brown and Andrew McCullough joined the public and SUU students to answer questions regarding their campaign.
The elected candidate will take over for Sean Reyes, who has served as Utah’s attorney general since 2013, when Governor Gary Herbert appointed him. Reyes has been serving full term since 2016.
Candidates addressed concerns and answered questions regarding their plans in office. SUU students from the Leavitt Center were able to participate and question the candidates.
SUU student Whitney Dyreng asked the panel, “Given the scandals involving the last three Utah attorneys general, how specifically would you restore trust in the office and integrity?”
Candidates shared their insights and replied with rebuttals to the opposition. Quist shared that her idea of an attorney general is someone with an independent voice, while Bautista highlighted that he wants someone who understands the job is to protect the state.
“I’m running for attorney general because I’ve had enough. As attorneys we do what the people want,” said Bautista. “We do it because we have something to say.”
Derek Brown is the former Chairman of the Utah Republican Party. He practiced law and served as a law clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit.
“I am running for four reasons, Alex, Zach, Eliza and Spencer. Those are my kids,” shared Brown. “What kind of state are we going to leave to them?”
Andrew McCullough studied law and worked as an attorney at McCullough & Associates and served as senior partner at McCullough, Jones & Ivins.
“What I want to continue to do is to preach freedom,” stated McCullough. “I want people to say at the end of it, I feel more free than I did when Andy got in.”
Michelle Quist is a business litigator and appellate advocate. Quist served as a clerk and staff attorney for the U.S.Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuitand worked as an attorney for Holland & Hart LLP.
“You need an attorney general who will represent you,” she shared. “I hope to bring integrity, reform and a new way of operating our attorney general’s office.”
Rudy Bautista is running as part of the Democratic Party. Baustista practices law and serves as a criminal defense attorney.
“Actions speak louder than words,” said Bautista. “Judge a person by their deeds, not their words. I would like to bring a cloud of shame away from us. I ask the voters to judge us by our actions.”
The Judiciary Act created attorney generals. Their role is to represent the United States in legal matters and serve as chief legal officers. They represent the state in court and provide legal advice to state agencies.
Utah’s election for attorney general will be held on Nov. 5. More information regarding the 2024 election can be found on vote.utah.gov.
Author: Anna Mower
Photo courtesy of Asher Swan and Rick Egan
Copy Editor: Michele Fogg