Wayne A. Harper is a Republican state senator representing District 16 in Utah, which includes parts of Salt Lake and Wasatch counties. Born on February 27, 1956, in Taylorsville, Utah, he has served in the Utah Legislature since 1997, first in the House of Representatives , then in the Senate . He currently serves as President Pro Tempore of the Senate and chairs key committees including Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology; Joint Interim Committee on Transportation; and Senate Retirement and Independent Entities Confirmation. Notable achievements include his roles as past President of the Streamline Sales Tax Governing Board, service on the Utah State Capitol Preservation Board and Utah Alliance for Economic Development, and advocacy for tax reductions, education funding, and transit infrastructure improvements in Salt Lake County. He is married to KaLee Harper and resides in Taylorsville.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: B.A. and M.S. in History from Brigham Young University.
• Political Experience: Began as West Jordan City Councilman; Utah House ; Utah Senate since 2013 ; chairs multiple transportation and retirement committees; next election in 2028. Professionally, he works in business and economic development consulting.