Utah Governor Spencer Cox has embarked on a mission to unite a nation that seems to be teetering on the brink of disunion. In a bold move, Cox, who has repeatedly stated he is not running for president, has penned his first book, "Off Ramp: How to Be a Peacemaker in an Age of Contempt," set for release on September 8 by Penguin Press.
The governor's book delves into the roots of the nation's current polarization, identifying a crisis of character exacerbated by a screen-driven epidemic of loneliness. Cox's proposed solution is a call to action for communities to cultivate unity through better disagreement. "I don't pretend that anything I say, or a book, is going to completely change the course of history or the polarization that's happening here," Cox told the Deseret News. "But what I hope will happen is that people will give it a chance."
The book, which clocks in at less than 250 pages, includes Cox's origin story, governing philosophy, and a blueprint for depolarization. It also offers a glimpse into some of the most significant moments of his tenure, including the tragic assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in September 2025.
The Kirk shooting, Cox writes, felt like a "powder keg" in the country. In the aftermath, Cox pleaded with Americans to seek alternatives to violence. This plea, he says, is the essence of his book. "It really did feel like a powder keg in the country," Cox told the Deseret News. "In press conferences following Kirk's murder, I pled with my fellow Americans to find an alternative to 'shooting each other.'"
One of the book's opening chapters recounts the moment Cox learned of Kirk's death. On September 10, 2025, just after noon, Cox's staff lunch was interrupted by an urgent update from Highway Patrol Captain George Hansen. Within moments, Cox was on the phone with Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the White House Situation Room. The rapid succession of reports that followed was a harrowing experience for Cox, who later relayed the news to Rubio and returned to the governor's mansion, where President Donald Trump called.
In the book, Cox also praises Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's sister, for her dignified response to the tragedy. "I was deeply moved by Erika Kirk's example of grace and resilience," Cox writes. "Her strength in the face of such a profound loss is a testament to the power of love and community."
"Off Ramp" is not just a reflection of Cox's experiences in office; it is a call to action for all Americans. Cox acknowledges that his book may not single-handedly alter the nation's trajectory, but he hopes it will spark a conversation that leads to meaningful change. "I don't pretend to have all the answers," Cox says. "But I believe that by coming together and engaging in civil discourse, we can overcome the challenges that face us."
The book is expected to generate discussion not only in Utah but across the nation, as it addresses issues that resonate deeply with Americans from all walks of life. "Off Ramp" is a testament to Cox's belief in the power of community and the importance of finding common ground in a divided country.
As the book approaches its release, Cox remains focused on his mission to promote unity and peace. "I hope that 'Off Ramp' will serve as a catalyst for change," he says. "It's not about changing minds, but about changing hearts and fostering a culture of respect and understanding."
With "Off Ramp," Governor Cox has taken a significant step toward addressing the nation's polarization. Whether or not his book achieves its intended goal, it is a powerful statement of his commitment to finding common ground and promoting a more civil society.
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