During Utah's history there have been 14 Territorial Governors and 16 Governors of the State.

Wells | Cutler | Spry | Bamberger | Mabey | Dern | Blood | Maw | Lee | Clyde | Rampton | Matheson | Bangerter | Leavitt | Walker | Huntsman

1977-1985 DEMOCRAT
(January 8, 1929-October 7, 1990)

Born in Chicago, Illinois, where his father was attending school. Matheson began his law practice in Cedar City before serving as deputy Salt Lake County attorney and later as an attorney for the Union Pacific Railroad. As governor, Matheson zealously defended Utah's rights against encroachment by federal agencies. Inflation, drought (and later flooding) proved fiscally challenging, and he cut state budgets and payrolls. Yet, he did secure increased funding for education, health, and highways. He returned to private law practice and became national chair of the Democratic Policy Commission.