Utah voters may be wondering, who is Robyn Bagley? As lieutenant governor running mate to Republican candidate for governor Jonathan Johnson, let me introduce myself.
I was born in Utah and grew up in Kaysville. I lived a charmed childhood growing up in small-town Utah.
First and foremost, I am a wife, a mother and a grandmother. I was a stay-at-home mom by choice, a choice I am very proud of. I worked hard to nurture my four children, take care of them and teach them to love and honor their religion, family and country. I tried to teach them by example that they should always stand up for what they believe in.
As my children grew, I felt a strong need to give back to the community and volunteer to make a difference.
I’m never comfortable talking about myself in a way that feels boastful, so I sat my husband down and asked him which of my traits would he describe have shaped my path? Here is what he articulated … and I concur.
I’m principled and not afraid to stand up and fight for what is right. In fact, I feel compelled to do so.
I’m driven and a hard worker. If I don’t know how to do something, I figure it out.
I’m a natural leader, perfectionist and an entrepreneur.
I’ve used these qualities to successfully get things done in my community, our state and even the nation.
Over the past 15 years, I’ve developed and honed my skills through grass-roots involvement. I ran (and lost) for a House seat against an eight-year incumbent Democrat. I was appointed by Gov. Huntsman to the Third District Judicial Nominating Commission, where I served alongside current Attorney General Sean Reyes. I have served as a volunteer on numerous influential boards, both local and national.
As it is for all moms, education is a top priority for me. I understand the challenges that many parents face finding the options that best meet their children’s needs. This has inspired much of my volunteerism and service to the community.
For the last decade I’ve served as board chairwoman of Parents for Choice in Education, where I’ve been very successful in advocating for policy that empowers both parents and students with more choice and options for a quality education. This position has given me the opportunity to collaborate with education leaders and members of the Legislature to affect positive change in education. I also served on the Governor’s Education Commission from February 2010 to May 2015.
I understand the education challenges facing our state. And I’ve never been one to sit on the sidelines. Rather, I actively seek to find solutions. Of particular importance to Jonathan and me is ending the Common Core mandate. We look forward to initiating local control with more parental involvement.
Most recently, I founded and now serve as principal of Career Path High, an early college high school partnered with the Davis Applied Technology College where students not only graduate with a diploma, but also leave career ready with the skills necessary to secure high-paying jobs.
Why did Jonathan Johnson choose me, Robyn Bagley, to be his lieutenant governor running mate?
Jonathan knows my accomplishments. We hold the same positions on key initiatives, and I will bring educational expertise and experience — both from a policy and practical experience standpoint.
Jonathan knows he can trust me to give my honest assessment on any issue. He knows I’m a problem solver. When he gives me a project, I’m going to get it done and get it done well.
Most importantly, I’m not a career politician — in fact I am not a traditional politician at all. Principled, conservative values drive my actions and, like Jonathan, I’m not afraid to make difficult and potentially unpopular decisions if they are the right decision. I sincerely want to make a difference in my community and in our state. That is how I have approached every opportunity to serve.
As voters learn who I am and what I stand for, my hope is they will have confidence that I have what it takes to bring much more to the office of lieutenant governor here in our great state of Utah.
Robyn Bagley is a Republican candidate for lieutenant governor of Utah.