SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Spencer Cox has been sworn in as Utah's new lieutenant governor, becoming the the eighth person to hold the office.
Cox took the oath of office at the state Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, shortly after his appointment was approved by the Senate.
Gov. Gary Herbert selected Cox to replace Greg Bell, who is stepping down to return to the private sector.
Cox was a freshman Republican lawmaker, attorney and telecommunications executive from Fairview, a small town in Central Utah.
The Utah Republican Party now has 30 days to schedule a special election to fill Cox's House seat, which covers parts of Sanpete and Juab counties.