SALT LAKE CITY — Gov. Gary Herbert appointed Republican Al Jackson to the Utah Senate on Monday.
The Highland resident will replace longtime Sen. John Valentine, R-Orem, who resigned to head the state tax commission. Jackson is scheduled to be sworn into office Wednesday.
"I have full confidence that his broad business leadership and experience in government relations will benefit the Senate as he crafts legislation to strengthen our economy," Herbert said in a statement. "I look forward to working with him."
GOP delegates in Utah County elected Jackson by one vote over former lawmaker Ken Sumsion. The district includes part of Orem, Pleasant Grove, American Fork and Highland.
Jackson owns a consulting firm specializing in leadership training, business development and sales in aviation, transportation, national defense and homeland security.
— Dennis Romboy