Stephanie Gricius

Stephanie Gricius is a Republican politician currently serving as a member of the Utah House of Representatives, representing the 50th district. She took office in January 2023 and has a history of local governance, having previously served on the city council in Eagle Mountain, Utah. Gricius has been involved in various legislative initiatives and holds several leadership positions within the House.

Early life and career

Stephanie Gricius began her political journey in 2014 when she successfully ran for a seat on the Eagle Mountain City Council. Her candidacy was motivated by her opposition to a proposal that sought to relocate the Utah State Prison to her community. This early involvement in local politics marked the beginning of her commitment to public service. Gricius officially took office on the city council in 2015 and served until January 2020. During her tenure, she witnessed significant developments in her district, including the establishment of a large data center by Meta Platforms (formerly known as Facebook) and a case-ready beef and pork plant by Tyson Foods, which was projected to create hundreds of jobs.

In addition to her role on the city council, Gricius was active within the Utah County Republican Party, serving as a precinct chair from 2016 to 2021. This position allowed her to engage with constituents and party members, further solidifying her presence in local politics. Her experiences in these roles provided her with insights into governance and community needs, which she would later apply in her legislative career.

Legislative service

Gricius was elected to the Utah House of Representatives in 2022 and assumed office in January 2023. Since taking her seat, she has been involved in various legislative committees, showcasing her commitment to public policy and governance. Gricius has held several significant positions, including Vice Chair of the Social Services Appropriations Subcommittee and Chair of the Administrative Rules Review and General Oversight Committee. Additionally, she has served as Chair of the Judiciary Interim Committee and is a member of both the Health and Human Services Committee and the Government Operations Committee.

In 2025, Gricius was appointed to the Legislative Redistricting Committee, a crucial role that involves the redrawing of district lines based on population data. Her involvement in this committee reflects her engagement with the democratic process and her commitment to ensuring fair representation for her constituents. Furthermore, she is part of the House of Representatives Majority Leadership Team, serving as the House Majority Caucus Manager, which places her in a key position within the Republican majority.

Gricius has also taken on leadership roles in various caucuses, including the Sportsman's Caucus, Conservative Caucus, and the Utah County Caucus. These positions allow her to advocate for specific interests and priorities that align with her constituents' values.

Policy focus and district

Throughout her legislative career, Gricius has sponsored and supported a range of bills that reflect her policy priorities. Notably, she was the chief sponsor of legislation that banned transgender students at public colleges and universities from residing in dormitories that correspond with their gender identities. This legislation requires students to live in accommodations that align with their sex assigned at birth or in designated "gender neutral" dorms.

Additionally, Gricius sponsored a bill that made Utah the first state to prohibit the addition of fluoride to public water systems, a move that drew opposition from organizations such as the American Dental Association. This legislation highlights her focus on public health and safety issues, as well as her willingness to challenge established norms in pursuit of her policy goals.

Gricius also played a significant role in amending existing laws to utilize population data from the Utah Population Committee rather than relying solely on data from the U.S. Census Bureau. This change aimed to enhance the accuracy of population calculations for various purposes, including transportation funding, which directly impacts her district of Eagle Mountain.

As a resident of Eagle Mountain, Gricius is acutely aware of the needs and concerns of her constituents. Her legislative efforts often reflect the interests of her community, particularly in areas related to economic development and public services. The city has experienced growth and development during her time in office, and she has been an advocate for initiatives that support this progress.

In her personal life, Gricius resides in Eagle Mountain with her husband and their five children. The family is known to keep a variety of pets, including dogs, ducks, and reptiles, which reflects their engagement with community and family-oriented activities. Gricius has a history of volunteerism, having served as a t-ball coach for the YMCA at a young age, indicating her long-standing commitment to community involvement.

Overall, Stephanie Gricius's career in public service has been marked by her dedication to her constituents and her active participation in legislative processes. As she continues her work in the Utah House of Representatives, her focus remains on addressing the needs of her district while navigating the complexities of state governance.