Utah Senate Confirms Two District Court Judges During Extraordinary Session

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah State Senate, meeting in a second extraordinary session on Aug. 9, 2023, voted to confirm two district court judges nominated by Gov. Spencer J. Cox.

The Senate consented to Charles Stormont’s appointment to the Third District Court with a roll-call result of 23 yes, 0 no, 6 absent. Senator Weiler moved the confirmation, and committee members reported a unanimous, favorable recommendation. Senator Wyler summarized Stormont’s experience, noting his work with the Utah Department of Transportation in right-of-way and property management and prior roles in private practice and as an assistant attorney general. After the vote, the Senate resolved into a Committee of the Whole so Judge Stormont could address the chamber; Stormont thanked the Senate and introduced family members in the gallery: “I am, just so full of gratitude today,” he said.

The Senate also consented to Eric Gentry’s appointment to the Fifth District Court by a vote of 24 yes, 0 no, 5 absent. Senators reported a unanimous recommendation from the confirmation committee; colleagues described Gentry as a longtime prosecutor who serves as deputy county attorney in Washington County and has worked on a special victims prosecution team handling homicide and serious-abuse cases. Gentry spoke to the Senate after confirmation, saying he was “grateful for the Senate for their work” and for the support of family and colleagues.

Both confirmations were transmitted to the Senate by formal communications from the governor citing Article VIII, Section 8 of the Utah Constitution and Utah Code §78-10-101 as the authority for judicial appointments. Procedures were brief: each nominee received a committee report, a motion to confirm, and a roll-call vote. The Senate paused for brief remarks from each new judge in a Committee of the Whole before returning to regular session.

The confirmations filled vacancies on the Third and Fifth district benches. The Senate’s actions were procedural consent votes; no recorded dissenting statements were made on the floor during either confirmation. The extraordinary session continued to consider additional gubernatorial appointments and other items before adjourning.