Why Utah's governor doesn't support electing judges

• Top Republican legislators have increasingly decried recent Utah Supreme Court rulings on citizen-led initiatives and abortion bans.

What they're saying: "I would not support electing judges to the bench," Cox told reporters during his monthly televised news conference. "The last thing we need are more divisive elections, especially over a branch of government that is supposed to be independent."

• Cox said he worried about judicial activism — when judges base their decisions on personal beliefs instead of strictly interpreting the law — but didn't provide a specific example of it happening in the state.

Zoom in: In Utah, the governor has the power to appoint nominees. Candidates must be confirmed by the majority of the Senate.

What we're watching: How legislators move forward in potentially altering the judicial selection process.