Scott Cuthbertson

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Scott Cuthbertson

Republican Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

Brigham Young University

Graduate

Oxford University

Personal

Birthplace

Birmingham, Ala.

Religion

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Profession

CEO

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign Instagram

Campaign YouTube

Personal Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

Scott Cuthbertson (Republican Party) ran for election to the Utah State Senate to represent District 15. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Cuthbertson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Scott Cuthbertson was born in Birmingham, Alabama. He earned a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University, a graduate degree from Oxford University, and a graduate degree from Georgetown University. Cuthbertson's career experience includes working as a CEO and business consultant.

As of 2024, Cuthbertson was affiliated with the following organizations:

• Governor Spencer Cox’s Unified Economic Opportunity Commission

• Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce

• World Trade Center Utah

• Urban Land Institute Public Infrastructure Council

• Salt Lake City Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board

• Northern Utah Economic Alliance

• Economic Development Corporation of Utah Foundation

• Visit Salt Lake

• South Valley Chamber

• Utah Aerospace and Defense Association

Elections

2024

See also: Utah State Senate elections, 2024

General election

General election for Utah State Senate District 15

Incumbent Kathleen Riebe defeated Scott Cuthbertson in the general election for Utah State Senate District 15 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kathleen Riebe (D)	57.0	27,103
		Scott Cuthbertson (R)	43.0	20,414

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 47,517
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Kathleen Riebe advanced from the Democratic primary for Utah State Senate District 15.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Utah State Senate District 15

Scott Cuthbertson defeated Amber Shill and Steve Aste in the Republican primary for Utah State Senate District 15 on June 25, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Scott Cuthbertson	39.8	3,802
		Amber Shill	37.2	3,557
	Submit photo	Steve Aste	23.0	2,196

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 9,555
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic convention

Democratic convention for Utah State Senate District 15

Incumbent Kathleen Riebe advanced from the Democratic convention for Utah State Senate District 15 on March 30, 2024.

		Candidate
✔		Kathleen Riebe (D)

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican convention

Republican convention for Utah State Senate District 15

Scott Cuthbertson and Steve Aste defeated Amber Shill in the Republican convention for Utah State Senate District 15 on April 13, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Scott Cuthbertson (R)	59.6	62
✔	Submit photo	Steve Aste (R)	40.4	42
		Amber Shill (R)	0.0	0

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 104
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Edward Bennett (R)

Endorsements

To view Cuthbertson's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Cuthbertson in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Scott Cuthbertson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Cuthbertson's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m the husband to a dynamic, talented wife and the father of three fearless girls. Son of teacher and a small business owner. I love Utah, it’s warm people and magnificent outdoors. I’m a mountain biker, hiker, and national / state parks enthusiast. I’m a policy wonk, former management consultant and current CEO. Educated at BYU, Georgetown, and Oxford. I’m collaborative, principled, and seek pragmatic solutions.

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?

• I have expertise in public finance, housing development, and economic policy that will help me be influential in helping solve our housing crisis.
• I am a proven leader and collaborator with relationships across Utah at the state and local levels and can be effective on day one.
• I will be inclusive in process and listen to local leaders and constituents to understand the issues and impacts of proposed legislation before passing laws— in short I will seek to close information gains between state and local stakeholders.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Housing

Economic development
Energy
Conservation

Public lands

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

My grandfather. He lost his mother at 7 and was pulled out of school to work the farm. He lost his leg in a logging accident at 20 and would go on to marry have two girls he put through college and farmed until he was 86. He lived a humble life, was known for his integrity, hard work and service to others.

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

Love your Enemies by Arthur Brooks

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

Integrity

Wisdom
Collaboration
Compassion

Respectful discourse

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

Breadth and depth of policy expertise on the relevant issues: economy, housing, energy, workforce, conservation. I have extensive executive experience in the private and public sectors and as a former management consultant know how to solve problems and reduce bureaucracy and create efficiency. I also bring relationships with legislators, the executive branch and local leaders across Utah to be effective on day one.

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

The core responsibilities for state senate are drafting and voting on legislation, representing my constituents, overseeing the state budget, and participating in committees to address various issues affecting the state. I will also engage in debate, collaborate with other legislators, and advocate for policies that align with my constituents' interests.

What legacy would you like to leave?

An effective leader who passed meaningful legislation that helped our kids have a better life.

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

The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 when I was 8 years old.

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

I worked as a janitor from the time I was ten until I graduated high school. I cleaned a bank 5 nights a week with my brothers and mom after sports practice and homework.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Undaunted Courage
The inspirational true account of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

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

Calling Your Name by Jon Batiste

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

I grew up in humble conditions in a poor community and worked hard to gain an education that opened doors in my life.

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

I believe in a balanced and cooperative relationship between the governor and the state legislature. I will generally advocate for open communication, compromise, and collaboration to address the needs of the state and its citizens effectively. I also prioritize fiscal responsibility, efficient governance, and pragmatic policies over strict adherence to party lines in this and other matters.

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

Housing attainability

Water resiliency
Workforce development
Education

Conservation

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

Having previous experience in government or politics can provide state legislators with valuable insights and skills that may benefit their effectiveness in office. However, it's not the only factor to consider. Diversity in backgrounds and experiences among legislators can bring different perspectives to the table, enriching the decision-making process and representation of constituents. Also, while I have not been in office before I know the legislative process and the stakeholders from my policy work. I bring expertise on multiple policy perspectives which is important for a state senator because it allows me to consider a wide range of viewpoints when crafting legislation. This can lead to more well-rounded and impactful policies that address the needs and concerns of many communities within the state. Additionally, understanding various policy perspectives enables senators to collaborate effectively with colleagues, negotiate compromises, and navigate the complexities of the legislative process.

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

Building relationships with other legislators as a state senator is beneficial for several reasons:

Collaboration: Effective governance often requires cooperation between legislators to pass bills and implement policies. Building relationships with colleagues increases the likelihood of finding common ground and working together towards shared goals.

Influence: Forming alliances with other legislators can amplify your influence within the legislative body. By having allies who support your initiatives, you can garner more support for your proposals and increase your ability to shape legislation.

Information Sharing: Maintaining relationships with fellow legislators allows for the exchange of information and insights. This can be invaluable in staying informed about developments in various policy areas and understanding the perspectives of different constituencies.

Problem-Solving: When faced with complex issues or challenges, having a network of trusted colleagues to consult can provide valuable perspectives and solutions. Building relationships fosters an environment where legislators can brainstorm ideas and work together to address issues facing their constituents.

Coalition Building: Forming coalitions with other legislators who share similar interests or priorities can amplify your collective voice and enhance your ability to advance specific policy agendas.

Overall, building relationships with other legislators is essential for effective governance, enabling collaboration, influence, information sharing, problem-solving, and coalition building.

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

Former Utah State Representative, and Speaker Pro Tempore, Lowery Snow

He was a thoughtful, intelligent, principled, compassionate, and very effective legislator and highly regarded by his colleagues and constituents.

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

No

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I spoke to a 40 year old man in Midvale while knocking doors on the campaign trail. He’s hardworking and responsible and has a modest paying job but has not been able to afford to purchase a home for his family yet. He became emotional while talking about how this challenge has prevented him from getting ahead in life and providing more for his family. I have spoken to many people in this situation and understand we must solve this housing crisis to prevent further hollowing out of our middle class. I have the experience with economic and housing policy having developed affordable housing funds, advised on the development of communities and knowing the local market dynamics from my position as a state-wide economic development leader.

Tell us your favorite joke.

I lived in Washington DC for a time and saw an odd mix of southern efficiency and northern hospitality. I had to move back to Utah where we are both efficient and hospitable.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

I believe in strong legislative oversight to ensure checks and balances, while allowing for executive discretion on a very limited basis under defined limits.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

A housing bill allowing the use of state infrastructure bank funds for low interest loans for the development of attainable housing in designated undeveloped areas for starter homes.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

• Former Utah Governor Gary Herbert

• House Majority Leader Jefferson Moss
• West Jordan Mayor Dirk Burton
• Former Midvale Mayor Robert Hale
• Cottonwood Heights City Council Member Shawn Newell
• Former Cottonwood Heights Parks and Recreation Board Chair Debbie Tyler
• Former Cottonwood Heights City Council Member Tee Tyler
• Former BYU Athletic Director and Business Leader Val Hale
• Salt Lake Valley Law Enforcement Association
• Reagan Roundtable
• Governing Group

• Residents Throughout District 15

What committees interest you?

Workforce

Economic development
Energy
Transportation

Natural resources

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I support fiscal transparency and government accountability as essential principles of good governance. I believe in responsible spending, balanced budgets, and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively. I will advocate for measures such as transparent budgeting processes, regular audits, and oversight mechanisms to hold government officials accountable for their actions. Overall, I aim to strike a balance between government intervention and fiscal responsibility.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

I generally oppose efforts by the legislature to inhibit the public’s ability to conduct referenda.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Scott Cuthbertson campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	Utah State Senate District 15	Lost general	$130,101	$-92,494
Grand total			$130,101	$-92,494
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

See also

2024 Elections

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Candidate

Utah State Senate District 15

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Footnotes

[show]

Current members of the Utah State Senate

Leadership

Majority Leader:Kirk Cullimore

Minority Leader:Luz Escamilla

Senators

District 1

Scott Sandall (R)

District 2

Chris Wilson (R)

District 3

John Johnson (R)

District 4

Calvin Musselman (R)

District 5

Ann Millner (R)

District 6

Jerry Stevenson (R)

District 7

Stuart Adams (R)

District 8

Todd Weiler (R)

District 9

Jennifer Plumb (D)

District 10

Luz Escamilla (D)

District 11

Daniel Thatcher (F)

District 12

Karen Kwan (D)

District 13

Nate Blouin (D)

District 14

Stephanie Pitcher (D)

District 15

Kathleen Riebe (D)

District 16

Wayne Harper (R)

District 17

Lincoln Fillmore (R)

District 18

Dan McCay (R)

District 19

Kirk Cullimore (R)

District 20

Ronald Winterton (R)

District 21

Brady Brammer (R)

District 22

Heidi Balderree (R)

District 23

Keith Grover (R)

District 24

Keven Stratton (R)

District 25

Mike McKell (R)

District 26

David Hinkins (R)

District 27

Derrin Owens (R)

District 28

Evan Vickers (R)

District 29

Don Ipson (R)

Republican Party (22)

Democratic Party (6)

Forward Party (1)