Born on July 15, 1960, in Logan, Cache County, Utah, this representative completed his education at Utah State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1984. He served in the United States Air Force from 1984 until 1998 before transitioning into a career as an author and business executive. A member of the Republican Party, he was elected to the House of Representatives in 2013 and served through September 15, 2023, representing Utah's interests over six consecutive terms.

During his tenure, he was involved in a range of legislative activities, sponsoring and co-sponsoring numerous bills. His legislative focus included education, public safety, energy, and economic policies. Notably, he sponsored House Bill 365, aimed at transferring reversionary interests in approximately 593 acres of non-federal land to the University of Utah. This significant land transfer could enhance the university's ability to develop and utilize the land effectively, potentially spurring economic development within the community.

Another notable aspect of his legislative work was the "Daylight Act" (HB364), proposing that states could choose to observe daylight savings time year-round. This bill addresses timing control for states, potentially enhancing economic activities by allowing extended daylight for evening recreation.

His political leanings can be defined by his consistent support for legislation promoting local governance, economic growth, and educational institutional empowerment. Bills such as the "Saving Gig Economy Taxpayers Act" (HB190) reflect his intent to alleviate regulatory burdens on small earners in the gig economy, while measures like the "Wildfire Recovery Act" (HB480) demonstrate a commitment to fiscal responsibility by enhancing federal support for disaster management.

Furthering his focus on public safety, he also introduced the "Public Land Search and Rescue Act" (HB439), which seeks to allocate federal resources to enhance remote rescue operations on federal lands. This initiative underscores his commitment to enhancing safety protocols for those engaging with Utah's vast outdoor landscape.

While serving in Congress, he was part of various committees which equipped him with opportunities to influence broader public policy. His legislative efforts often highlighted a preference for limiting federal overreach, which is apparent in bills that require federal approval for significant agency rules, aiming to enhance congressional oversight especially in regulatory matters.

Additionally, he has addressed issues related to agricultural and land use regulations through bills like the "Prohibition of Agricultural Land for the People's Republic of China Act" (HB809) and the "Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act" (HB807), highlighting his diverse legislative interests which often align with national security and local economic interests.

In his personal life, he resides in Utah and has been described as deeply committed to the state and its issues, continuing to advocate for policies that reflect his constituents' priorities after his resignation. His dedication to educational and economic reform remains a hallmark of his career in public service, focusing on enhancing the lives of Utahns through thoughtful legislation and local empowerment. This multidimensional approach to governance not only aims at immediate benefits for his district but is also a reflection of his broader ideological principles that emphasize efficiency, accountability, and local control.