Dan McCay wins special election, replaces Wimmer

Dan McCay, a resident of Riverton since 2005, is the newly elected state representative for Legislative District 52. He was elected in a special election Jan. 19 with 54.5 percent of the vote from a field of six candidates to replace Rep. Carl Wimmer.

McCay’s name was submitted Jan. 20 to the governor for appointment to fill the remainder of the term. He was sworn in on Jan. 23 at the start of the legislative session.

“I am excited about the opportunity and grateful for the overwhelming support from the delegates,” McCay said concerning the election.

“I entered the race to provide leadership in education, and with my background in education and law, I hope to make a difference,” he said. “The recent school district split motivated me to get involved to make sure that the process is better in the future.”

As one of the newest members of the state legislature, McCay plans on pursuing initiatives that promote economic growth and support initiatives to improve education.

He and his wife Tawnee live in Riverton and are the parents of four young children.

McCay is a successful businessman and attorney employed by land developer Property Reserve Inc., where he has worked with local elected officials on major land holdings in Herriman and Riverton including the Mountain View Corridor and improvements on 13400 South.

He has seen firsthand how successful economic development works and the critical role small business plays in fueling economic growth.

“I will pursue policies that reduce burdens on small business and give local governments more control,” he said.

McCay was born in St. Louis, Mo. and spent his early life between St. Louis and San Diego. He came to Utah to attend college and stayed.

He pursued bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Utah State University and left the state for a time to pursue a law degree from Williamette University in Salem, Ore. returning to Utah in 2005.

”My most important accomplishment is being a dad, and I am passionate about creating a better world for my children,” he said.

McCay comes from humble beginnings, raised by a single mother who worked multiple jobs to support her three sons. He learned the value of hard work and sacrifice.

Serving as a missionary on the streets of Calcutta, he developed a life-changing sense of humanity in India. “It was there that I first recognized the value of a world-class education and gained a deep appreciation for the liberty and freedom we enjoy in America,” he said.

Having seen firsthand the critical role of education in reducing poverty, and his study of education, he has developed an even greater respect for those who choose to teach.

“As a member of the Utah Legislature, I plan to champion initiatives that promote economic growth and development, incentivize education innovation, and reduce uncontrolled entitlement expenses,” he said.

Additional information is available at his website www.DanMcCay.com, or for questions, e-mail at DMcCay@le.utah.gov.