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Utah Senate Consents to Christina Ortega for Second Judicial District Court
Summary
The Utah Senate consented to Gov. Spencer J. Cox’s appointment of Christina Ortega to the Second Judicial District Court by a 27–0 roll-call vote; Ortega thanked the Senate and pledged to apply the rule of law with impartiality.
The Utah State Senate on Feb. 22, 2021, consented to Governor Spencer J. Cox’s appointment of Christina Ortega to the Second Judicial District Court by a roll-call vote of 27 yes, 0 no and 2 absent.
The governor’s communication, read into the record, cited Article VIII of the Utah Constitution and relevant Utah Code sections forwarding Ortega’s nomination and supporting materials. The Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee had previously met on Feb. 22 and reported a favorable recommendation for Ortega’s confirmation.
Todd Wyler, who submitted the committee’s recommendation, highlighted Ortega’s prosecutorial background with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and prior work prosecuting complex violent crimes and crimes against children. Wyler said the committee voted unanimously to recommend her confirmation.
Ortega addressed the Senate after the vote. “I am beyond ecstatic and humbled to have this opportunity to now be able to serve the Second Judicial District Court,” she said, and pledged “to apply the rule of law with fidelity and impartiality.” She thanked Governor Spencer J. Cox and others who supported her nomination.
President Adams congratulated Ortega and invited her family forward for recognition on the Senate floor. The Senate’s consent sends Ortega’s appointment forward for any remaining administrative processing in accordance with the statutory appointment process.
Authorities referenced during the proceedings included Article VIII of the Utah Constitution and Utah Code §78-8-101 (judicial appointment procedure). The confirmation was recorded during the Feb. 22 floor session; the Senate’s action concludes the chamber’s consent step for this appointment.
