Michelle Kaufusi
Michelle Kaufusi | |
|---|---|
| 45th Mayor of Provo | |
| In office January 18, 2018 – January 6, 2026 | |
| Preceded by | John Curtis |
| Succeeded by | Marsha Judkins |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Michelle Garrick October 14, 1966 |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse | Steve Kaufusi |
| Children | Corbin and Bronson |
| Alma mater | Brigham Young University (BS) |
Michelle Kaufusi (born October 14, 1966) is an American politician who served as the 45th mayor of Provo, Utah from 2018 to 2026.[1] She is a member of the Republican Party.
Early life and education
Kaufusi was born and raised in Provo, Utah. Kaufusi is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her mother is also a member of the church, and her father left the family when she was six. She graduated from Provo High, where she served in student government and earned an academic scholarship to BYU.[2] She studied at Brigham Young University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography.[3]
Career
After graduating from college, she moved to Pennsylvania to join her husband, who she had married a few months earlier, who was then playing for the Philadelphia Eagles. Her first two children were born in Pennsylvania. They then spent a few years in Salt Lake City while her husband studied at and coached at the University of Utah. They returned to Provo in 2002. Prior to her election as mayor, Kaufusi served as a member of the Provo School Board for six years.
On February 7, 2020, former governor Jon Huntsman Jr. announced Kaufusi as his running mate in the 2020 Utah gubernatorial election.[4] In the Republican primary, Huntsman was narrowly defeated by Spencer Cox.[5]
In 2025, Kaufusi lost her bid for reelection to Marsha Judkins.[6]
Personal life
Kaufusi is married to Steve Kaufusi who was formerly the defensive line coach for Brigham Young University.[7] Her son, Bronson Kaufusi, was a defensive end for the Green Bay Packers while her other son, Corbin Kaufusi, played basketball and football at BYU and played for the San Francisco 49ers.
References
- ^ Bradshaw, Laurie (19 January 2018). "Michelle Kaufusi, Provo's first female mayor, sworn in". Daily Universe. Retrieved 8 January 2026.
- ^ Provo Herald article on Kaufusi
- ^ Salt Lake Tribune article on Kaufusi
- ^ Jon Huntsman names Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi as running mate in 2020 governor’s race
- ^ "Jon Huntsman names Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi as running mate in 2020 governor's race". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 17 July 2020.
- ^ McIlroy, Haley (20 November 2025). "Provo City municipal election results are finalized". BYU Daily Universe.
- ^ "BYU football: Steve Kaufusi steps down, Preston Hadley hired". The Daily Universe. 19 January 2018. Retrieved 27 March 2018.