Cox appoints Summit County attorney Ryan Stack to Fourth District Court

Governor Spencer J. Cox appointed Summit County deputy county attorney Ryan Stack to the Fourth District Court, moving a lawyer who handled county contracts, leases and civil litigation into a newly created judgeship. The appointment takes Stack out of Summit County’s legal office and puts him in line to fill a seat the Utah Legislature added during the 2026 Legislative Session.

Stack’s background spans criminal prosecution, civil litigation and local government. In Summit County, he had represented and advised county departments and special service districts, reviewed and negotiated contracts and leases, and handled general civil litigation. That mix made him part of the county’s day-to-day legal machinery, where public agencies depend on attorneys to sort out agreements, disputes and courtroom strategy.

The Fourth District Judicial Nominating Commission had already placed Stack among five nominees for the vacancy on April 30. Cox made the appointment on June 24, choosing a Summit County lawyer for a role that will now shape how the Fourth District Court handles its caseload. For Summit County, the move removes an experienced attorney from work that directly affects county departments and special service districts.

The confirmation process now shifts to the Utah Senate. The Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee asked for public comment on June 25 and said it will hold a public hearing before issuing a recommendation to the full Senate.

If confirmed, Stack will take the newly created district court judge position in the Fourth District, leaving Summit County to absorb the loss of a lawyer who had worked across prosecution, civil disputes and county government.