Ralph Okerlund
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Ralph Okerlund | |
|---|---|
 Okerlund in 2013 | |
| Majority Leader of the Utah Senate | |
| In office January 28, 2013 – December 31, 2020 | |
| Preceded by | Scott K. Jenkins |
| Succeeded by | Evan Vickers |
| Member of the Utah Senate from the 24th district | |
| In office January 1, 2009 – December 30, 2020 | |
| Preceded by | Darin G. Peterson |
| Succeeded by | Derrin Owens |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 28, 1952 Salina, Utah, U.S. |
| Died | October 9, 2024 (aged 72) Monroe, Utah, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | Dixie State University University of Utah (BA) |
Ralph Ole Okerlund[1] (July 28, 1952 – October 9, 2024) was an American politician and a Republican member of the Utah State Senate that represented District 24 from 2009 to 2020.[2] He was the Senate's majority leader from January 28, 2013, to 2020.
Okerlund earned his AA from Dixie State College (now Utah Tech University) and his BS in political science from the University of Utah.[3] He has worked in agriculture.[3] Okerlund was married to his wife, Cindy and they have three children.[4] He died on October 9, 2024 at the age of 72.[5][6]
Political career
Before he was a senator, Okerlund was on the Monroe City Council, served as Monroe City Mayor and the Sevier County Commissioner, was president of Utah State Association of Commissioners and Councilmen, and was president of Utah Association of Counties.[3] Okerlund was elected to the Senate in 2008.[3]
In 2016, Okerlund served on the following committees:[7]
- Executive Appropriations Committee
- Executive Offices and Criminal Justice Appropriations Subcommittee
- Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Quality Appropriations Subcommittee
- Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee
- Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee
During the 2014 General Session, Okerlund was conducting a meeting with House and Senate GOP leaders when he stepped out into the hallway and apparently passed out.[8] He said he had felt light-headed.[8] He was not able to return for the last two days of the session.[3][8]
Elections
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Ralph Okerlund (unopposed) | -- | -- | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Ralph Okerlund | 29,588 | 86.4% | |
| Constitution | Trestin Meacham | 4,647 | 13.6% | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Ralph Okerlund | 19,073 | 67.60% | |
| Democratic | Tobiah Dillon | 6,571 | 22.9% | |