Derek Brown, a lawyer, lobbyist, and former GOP chair, has announced his bid to replace Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes, who is not seeking reelection. Brown, who served as the Utah Republican Party chair, is running for Utah attorney general in 2024. His announcement comes after Reyes reversed his previous decision and announced that he would not run for reelection in 2024.
Brown, a constitutional conservative, aims to prioritize the needs of Utahns, promote law and order in the community, and push back against federal government overreach. He previously served as a state representative and as deputy chief of staff and state director for U.S. Sen. Mike Lee. Former Gov. Gary Herbert, who first appointed Reyes to the office, will serve as Brown’s campaign chairman.
The announcement comes after Reyes faced controversy surrounding his association with Tim Ballard, founder of the nonprofit Operation Underground Railroad. Ballard has been the subject of multiple civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct and assault, as well as two criminal investigations.
Brown’s entry into the attorney general race marks the beginning of what is expected to be a closely watched and hotly contested Election. As a prominent figure in Utah Politics, his candidacy will likely spark discussions about the future of the attorney general’s office and its role in the state.
The race for Utah attorney general in 2024 is shaping up to be a significant event in the state’s political landscape, with Brown’s announcement setting the stage for a dynamic and competitive Election cycle.
