Gov. Spencer Cox: "Utah will not become a state of renters"

By the numbers: Renters make up nearly one-third of Utah households, according to data from the nonprofit National Low Income Housing Coalition.

Zoom out: Cox touted the state's achievements, including being ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 state in the nation for three years in a row.

• Yes, but: He also acknowledged ongoing challenges Utahns face, such as low reading levels among third graders, chronic homelessness, fentanyl addiction and concerns around the impact of social media on children.

What he's saying: Cox, whose brand centers on reducing partisan polarization, likened today's political turmoil to 1926, when the country was grappling with the aftermath of World War I and the 1918 influenza pandemic.

• "The country found itself at a time of incredible technological change, booming material wealth — but not for everyone — and radical political shifts," he said. "And yet, many people felt adrift."

The other side: Prior to his speech, Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin slammed Cox's leadership.

• "Here's the reality: costs continue to rise, health care becomes more expensive, and rural hospitals close under Trump and Cox," Martin said in a statement.
• "While Cox will try to gaslight Utahns and paper over his failures, it's clear that Utah's Republican leadership has failed working Utahns."

Editor's note: This story has been updated with a statement from DNC chair Ken Martin.