Cheryl Acton

Cheryl K. Acton is an American politician and writer currently serving as a member of the Utah House of Representatives, representing District 38. A member of the Republican Party, Acton was appointed to her legislative position in September 2017 and has since been re-elected multiple times, demonstrating her continued presence in Utah politics. Her legislative work encompasses a variety of issues, reflecting her commitment to consumer rights, disability advocacy, and family welfare.

Early life and career

Cheryl Acton was born on May 22, 1964, in Kansas, where she spent her formative years. During her senior year of high school, she relocated to Arizona, which marked a significant transition in her early life. Following her high school education, Acton pursued higher education at Brigham Young University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1987. This academic background laid the foundation for her subsequent career as a writer and editor.

In addition to her writing endeavors, Acton has held various positions in both the public and private sectors. She worked for the U.S. Census Bureau, contributing to important data collection efforts that inform government policy and resource allocation. Furthermore, her tenure at the Department of Defense was marked by her receipt of the Meritorious Service Award, recognizing her contributions to the agency. Acton has also engaged in freelance writing and editing, internet research, and journalism, showcasing her versatility and adaptability across different fields.

Acton has lived in West Jordan, Utah, for 28 years, where she has raised her family. She and her husband, Scott, have four adult children, comprising two sons and two daughters. The family has a shared interest in travel, having visited all 50 states together, which reflects their commitment to exploring diverse cultures and communities across the nation.

Legislative service

Cheryl Acton's entry into politics came in September 2017, when she was appointed to the Utah House of Representatives following the resignation of Rep. Adam Gardiner, who left his position to become Salt Lake County Recorder. The selection process to fill Gardiner's seat was competitive, with Acton and another candidate, Lyle Decker, each receiving an equal number of votes from the Republican delegates. The outcome was ultimately decided by a coin toss, which resulted in Acton's appointment.

Since her appointment, Acton has successfully won re-election in subsequent years, including in 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024. Her initial campaign for re-election in 2018 saw her defeat a Democratic challenger, securing approximately 47.94 percent of the popular vote. Throughout her legislative career, Acton has focused on a range of issues that resonate with her constituents, including consumer rights, support for individuals with disabilities, and advocacy for families and children.

Acton has taken on significant leadership roles within the Utah House of Representatives. She serves as the Chair of the Retirement and Independent Entities Committee, where she oversees matters related to retirement systems and independent entities within the state. Additionally, she is a member of several other committees, including Criminal Justice Appropriations, the House Health and Human Services Committee, and the House Judiciary Committee. Her involvement in these committees allows her to influence legislation that impacts various aspects of life in Utah.

In addition to her committee work, Acton participates in the Child Welfare Legislative Oversight Panel and the Utah Compact Commission, further demonstrating her commitment to addressing issues related to child welfare and community engagement. Her legislative efforts have included sponsoring a variety of bills aimed at enhancing consumer protections, supporting individuals with disabilities, and promoting transparency in elected public bodies.

Policy focus and district

Cheryl Acton's legislative focus encompasses a broad spectrum of policy areas, reflecting her commitment to the welfare of her constituents in District 38. Her work has included legislation aimed at protecting the rights of consumers, ensuring the dignity and worth of individuals and families, and advocating for the unborn. Acton's approach to legislation is characterized by her emphasis on fundamental principles such as freedom, civility, and respect for all individuals.

In the 2022 legislative session, Acton sponsored several bills that highlight her policy priorities. These included measures related to the executive offices and criminal justice base budget, driving offenses amendments, and juvenile justice services amendments. Additionally, she worked on legislation concerning the improvement of the Jordan River, amendments to the Department of Public Safety's restricted account, and social credit score amendments. Her legislative agenda also included efforts to enhance transparency in elected public bodies and promote the prevention of adverse childhood experiences.

Acton's role as a legislator is not only defined by her sponsored bills but also by her active participation in discussions and initiatives that impact her district and the state of Utah as a whole. Her involvement in various committees and panels allows her to engage with a wide range of issues, from health and human services to criminal justice reform.

As a representative of District 38, Acton is tasked with addressing the needs and concerns of her constituents. Her legislative work reflects an understanding of the diverse challenges faced by individuals and families in her district, and she strives to create policies that promote their well-being. Through her continued service in the Utah House of Representatives, Acton aims to contribute to the development of effective legislation that aligns with the values and needs of the community she represents.