Ross I. Romero
Ross I. Romero (born November 13, 1971) is an American politician and Attorney from Utah. A Democrat, he was a member of the Utah State Senate, representing the state's 7th senate district in Salt Lake County including the East Bench of Salt Lake City. He was the Senate Democratic Leader.
Ross I. Romero | |
---|---|
Member of the Utah Senate from the 7th district | |
In office 2006–2012 | |
Preceded by | Karen Hale |
Succeeded by | Deidre Henderson |
Member of the Utah House of Representatives from the 25th district | |
In office 2004–2006 | |
Succeeded by | Christine Johnson |
Personal details | |
Born | November 13, 1971 |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse(s) | Cecilia |
Residence | Salt Lake City |
Alma mater | University of Michigan |
Occupation | Attorney |
Early life
Ross was born in Pueblo, Colorado and moved to Utah with his parents when he was two years old. His mother, Anita Bruce, was an elementary school teacher. After his parents divorced, Ross moved to West Valley with his mother and step-father.[1]
He graduated from Highland High School in 1989 and graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Political Science.[2] As a college student, he served as a Hinckley intern in Washington DC and that experience helped him realize that he wanted to be involved in public service. Ross decided that he wanted to get away from home and chose to attend the University of Michigan Law School. He eventually met his wife Cecilia who was an undergraduate student. After graduating from law school in 1996, Ross and Cecilia decided that they wanted to start their family in Salt Lake County.[3]
Ross accepted a job with the law firm Jones Waldo where he focused on business litigation. He eventually becomes a partner in 2003. In 2007, Ross accepted a job with Zions Bank in their Government Relations office.[4]
Ross has served as a member of the Salt Lake City Board of Adjustment, board member of University of Utah Young Alumni Board, a Salt Shaker with the Salt Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, and a board member of the Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He became President of the Utah Minority Bar Association in 2003.[3]
Political career
In 2004, Ross was elected as a Representative in the Utah House of Representatives.[1] When a vacancy in his Senate district became available in 2006, Ross was asked to run for the State Senate, where he was reelected in 2010.[2]
During his Senate career, Senator Romero was known as a champion for education, the environment, equality, and good government. Various interest groups rated Ross positively with 100% scores, including the Sierra Club, Equality Utah, and Utah Education Association.[5]
In November 2010, Senator Romero was elected as Senate Minority Leader by his Democratic colleagues.[2]
Mayoral Campaign
Romero became a candidate for Salt Lake County Mayor in September 2011. He focused on the environment, education, and economic development.[6] He lost the race for his party's nomination to Ben McAdams.
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ± | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Bryce Jolley | 9,950 | 34.3 | ||
Democratic | Ross Romero | 18,589 | 64.1 |
Sources
- Montero, David (November 15, 2010). "Ross Romero relishes underdog role". St. Louis Tribune. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
- "Ross Romero". csbs.utah.edu. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
- "Marriage, parenthood, careers, and politics: The Romeros say proudly, 'We haven't done it alone'". icatholic.org. June 23, 2006. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
- Bernick Jr., Bob (December 15, 2008). "Zions Bank boasts legislative power". deseret.com. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
- http://www.votesmart.org/candidate/evaluations/50206/ross-romero
- Fidel, Steve (October 2, 2011). "Democrat Ross Romero announces candidacy for Salt Lake County Mayor". ksl.com. Retrieved December 10, 2019.