Blake Moore
| Blake Moore | |
| Born | Blake David Moore 06/22/1980 |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Ogden, Utah, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Politician, former diplomat |
| Known for | U.S. Representative for Utah's 1st congressional district; Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference |
| Education | University of Utah (BA) Northwestern University (MPA) |
| Children | 4 |
| Website | blakemoore.house.gov |
Blake David Moore (born June 22, 1980) is an American politician and former U.S. Foreign Service officer serving as the U.S. representative for Utah's 1st congressional district since January 2021. He's a Republican who won election to Congress in November 2020, replacing longtime incumbent Rob Bishop.[1] Before entering politics, Moore spent years in diplomacy and consulting, working in the U.S. Foreign Service on economic and trade policy matters. Since November 8, 2023, he's held the position of vice chair of the House Republican Conference, a significant leadership role in the Republican caucus.
Born in Ogden, Moore was a standout high school athlete who earned the National Football Foundation's High School Heisman award before turning his attention to public policy and international affairs. His congressional work has centered on fiscal policy, budget reform, energy legislation, and bipartisan projects like the Congressional Philanthropy Caucus.[2]
Early Life
Blake David Moore was born on June 22, 1980, in Ogden, Utah.[3] Growing up in the Ogden area, he attended Ogden High School where he became a prominent student-athlete. He played quarterback for the school's football team and earned recognition for his athletic skill, academics, and community involvement.[4]
In 1997, Moore won the national High School Heisman award. This distinction, given by the National Football Foundation to a high school senior who demonstrates outstanding athletic ability, academic achievement, and community service, recognized both his football accomplishments and his involvement in school and community activities.[5][6] The Deseret News profiled him during his senior season, highlighting his versatility and leadership as the Ogden High School quarterback.[4]
After his high school years, Moore stayed connected to Ogden and later said his Utah upbringing shaped his interest in public service.[3] He became involved with charitable and youth athletic programs, giving back to his community through various initiatives.[7]
Education
Moore attended the University of Utah and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.[8] He went on to pursue graduate studies at Northwestern University, where he received a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree.[8] His time at Northwestern focused on public policy and administration, which prepared him for his later work in diplomacy and consulting.
Career
U.S. Foreign Service
After completing his education, Moore joined the United States Foreign Service as a diplomat focused on economic and trade policy. His work included overseas postings and responsibilities on international economic issues.[9] He served in various capacities within the Foreign Service, developing expertise in trade negotiations, economic development, and U.S. foreign policy. When he ran for Congress in 2020, Moore emphasized his Foreign Service experience as key to his candidacy, pointing to his background working on economic matters affecting Utah's trade relationships and economy.[9]
Consulting career
Later, Moore moved into the private sector and joined Cicero Group, a management consulting firm based in Utah. Working in a leadership capacity, he handled consulting projects focused on economic development and public policy.[10] This consulting work broadened his experience in policy analysis and economic strategy before he entered electoral politics.
2020 congressional campaign
Moore announced his candidacy in 2019 for Utah's 1st congressional district after longtime incumbent Rob Bishop decided not to seek reelection.[3] The race drew a competitive field of Republican candidates in a solidly Republican district spanning northern Utah, including Ogden, Logan, and areas of the Salt Lake City metropolitan region.[11]
During the Republican primary, Moore faced scrutiny from at least one challenger who raised questions about aspects of his candidacy.[12] He campaigned on his Foreign Service experience and economic policy background, positioning himself as a candidate with practical expertise in international trade and economic development.[9][13] The Salt Lake Tribune documented Moore's path through the competitive Republican primary field.[14]
He won the Republican primary and then the general election in November 2020, succeeding Rob Bishop as representative for Utah's 1st congressional district.[1] The victory wasn't surprising, given the district's strong Republican leanings.[1]
U.S. House of Representatives
First term (2021–2023)
On January 3, 2021, Moore took office as U.S. representative for Utah's 1st congressional district.[15] As a freshman member, The Hill profiled him in its guide to new members, noting his Foreign Service background and consulting experience.[8]
During his time in Congress, Moore has tackled various legislative issues. He's worked on fiscal policy and budget reform, energy policy, and legislation affecting Utah. Moore has also pursued bipartisan legislative efforts on multiple fronts.
House Republican Conference leadership
On November 8, 2023, Moore was elected vice chair of the House Republican Conference, the organizational body of House Republicans. He serves as part of the Republican leadership team under the conference chair. Moore took over this role after Mike Johnson vacated the position to become Speaker of the House.[15]
Legislative initiatives
Moore has introduced and co-sponsored legislation spanning fiscal policy, energy, charitable giving, and other areas.
In February 2026, Moore and Representative Jeff Hurd (R-CO) introduced a bill to reform the federal budget process. The legislation proposed structural changes to how Congress handles budgeting and fiscal planning.[16]
In December 2025, Moore launched the bipartisan Congressional Philanthropy Caucus with Representative Danny K. Davis (D-IL). This caucus works to promote charitable giving in local communities and examine policy approaches that support philanthropy and nonprofit organizations.[17]
Also in December 2025, his legislation to protect the University of Utah's nearly 600-acre Research Park passed the House. The bill aimed to safeguard the research and development campus, which hosts numerous technology and science companies associated with the university's research mission.[18]
In January 2026, Moore introduced legislation aimed at addressing benefits cliffs. These are situations where people lose government assistance abruptly as their income rises, which can discourage work participation. His bill would give states flexibility to phase out benefits more gradually and develop innovative approaches.[19]
In September 2025, Moore and Representative Jim Costa (D-CA) introduced bipartisan legislation to promote bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). The bill sought to strengthen deployment of technologies that combine bioenergy production with carbon capture to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.[20]
In February 2026, Moore and Representative Marc Veasey (D-TX) introduced bipartisan legislation prohibiting foreign investment in name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals for college athletes. The bill addressed concerns about foreign entities potentially influencing American college athletics through financial deals with student-athletes.[21]
International affairs and caucus work
Moore's diplomatic background shows in his involvement with congressional caucuses on international affairs. He co-chairs the bipartisan Congressional Friends of Denmark Caucus alongside Representative Steny Hoyer (D-MD). In January 2026, Moore and Hoyer released a joint statement on Greenland, addressing matters related to the autonomous Danish territory and U.S.-Danish relations.[22]
Constituent engagement
Moore holds regular telephone town halls to stay in touch with constituents in Utah's 1st congressional district. In February 2026, he rescheduled a telephone town hall that was originally planned for February 23.[23]
Personal Life
Moore lives in Utah with his four children.[8] He's maintained ties to Ogden, where he grew up. His High School Heisman award remains part of his public identity, and he's involved in charitable and community activities throughout Utah, particularly those related to youth athletics.[7]
His membership in the bipartisan Congressional Friends of Denmark Caucus reflects his long-standing interest in international affairs, rooted in his Foreign Service career.[24]
Recognition
Moore's earliest major recognition came as a high school senior in 1997, when he won the national High School Heisman award from the National Football Foundation. This annual award, given to a high school senior excelling in athletics, academics, and community service, brought him national attention as a student-athlete in Ogden, Utah.[5][6]
His election to Congress in 2020 and elevation to vice chair of the House Republican Conference in 2023 represent his primary political recognitions. His leadership position places him among the top-ranking members of the House Republican caucus.[15]
In Congress, Moore has earned attention for his bipartisan approach, co-sponsoring bills with Democrats on energy policy, NIL regulation, and philanthropy. His creation of the bipartisan Philanthropy Caucus with Representative Danny K. Davis demonstrated his commitment to advancing charitable giving through public policy.[25]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Blake Moore will be Utah's next 1st District congressman".The Salt Lake Tribune.2020-11-03.https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2020/11/03/blake-moore-will-be-utahs/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
- ↑ "Congressman Blake Moore Launches the Bipartisan Philanthropy Caucus to Increase Charitable Giving in Local Communities". 'Office of Congressman Blake Moore}'. 2025-12-02. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Ogden native, former U.S. Foreign Service officer launches U.S. House bid".Standard-Examiner.https://www.standard.net/news/government/ogden-native-former-u-s-foreign-service-officer-launches-u-s-house-bid/article_342bfa10-71bc-5639-88dc-89bde5727196.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Ogden quarterback is so much Moore than a good football player".Deseret News.1997-11-04.https://www.deseret.com/1997/11/4/19343657/ogden-quarterback-is-so-much-moore-than-a-good-football-player.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Ogden's Blake Moore named national winner of High School Heisman".Deseret News.1997-12-13.https://www.deseret.com/1997/12/13/19351106/ogden-s-blake-moore-named-national-winner-of-high-school-heisman.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Blake Moore". 'National Football Foundation}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Former High School Heisman winner giving back".Standard-Examiner.https://www.standard.net/sports/former-high-school-heisman-winner-giving-back/article_c7ae1832-d9dc-5f60-a604-060d874dc7b1.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 "Rep.-elect Blake Moore (R-Utah-01)".The Hill.https://thehill.com/new-members-guide-2020/527851-rep-elect-blake-moore-r-utah-01.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "House hopeful Blake Moore puts focus on Foreign Service work with Utah's economy".Standard-Examiner.https://www.standard.net/news/government/house-hopeful-blake-moore-puts-focus-on-foreign-service-work-with-utahs-economy/article_a69bd2d0-552e-5021-afbd-92f0ef35332c.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
- ↑ "Blake Moore". 'Cicero Group}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
- ↑ "Another Utah Congressional race".The Salt Lake Tribune.2020-05-09.https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2020/05/09/another-utah/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
- ↑ "Challenger says Blake Moore...".The Salt Lake Tribune.2020-07-06.https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2020/07/06/challenger-says-blake/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
- ↑ "Blake Moore — 1st Congressional District Candidate".KUTV.https://kutv.com/news/beyond-the-podium/blake-moore-1st-congressional-district-candidate.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
- ↑ "How Utahn Blake Moore...".The Salt Lake Tribune.2020-07-13.https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2020/07/13/how-utahn-blake-moore/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 "Blake Moore". 'Congress.gov}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
- ↑ "Congressman Blake Moore Introduces Legislation to Reform Budget Process". 'Office of Congressman Blake Moore}'. 2026-02-03. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
- ↑ "Congressman Blake Moore Launches the Bipartisan Philanthropy Caucus to Increase Charitable Giving in Local Communities". 'Office of Congressman Blake Moore}'. 2025-12-02. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
- ↑ "Congressman Blake Moore's Legislation to Preserve University of Utah's Research Park Passes the House of Representatives". 'Office of Congressman Blake Moore}'. 2025-12-15. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
- ↑ "Congressman Blake Moore Introduces Legislation to Empower States to End Benefits Cliffs". 'Office of Congressman Blake Moore}'. 2026-01-24. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
- ↑ "Representatives Moore, Costa Introduce Legislation Promoting Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage". 'Office of Congressman Blake Moore}'. 2025-09-30. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
- ↑ "Representatives Moore, Veasey Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Prohibit Foreign Investment into NIL Deals". 'Office of Congressman Blake Moore}'. 2026-02-10. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
- ↑ "Representatives Moore, Hoyer Release Joint Statement on Greenland". 'Office of Congressman Blake Moore}'. 2026-01-24. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
- ↑ "U.S. Rep. Blake Moore reschedules telephone town hall originally slated for Feb. 23".Cache Valley Daily.2026-02-24.https://www.cachevalleydaily.com/news/u-s-rep-blake-moore-reschedules-telephone-town-hall-originally-slated-for-feb-23/article_2abd6974-7d03-4199-ac1d-4277c7dba7e8.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
- ↑ "Representatives Moore, Hoyer Release Joint Statement on Greenland". 'Office of Congressman Blake Moore}'. 2026-01-24. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
- ↑ "Congressman Blake Moore Launches the Bipartisan Philanthropy Caucus to Increase Charitable Giving in Local Communities". 'Office of Congressman Blake Moore}'. 2025-12-02. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
- 1980 births
- Living people
- People from Ogden, Utah
- University of Utah alumni
- Northwestern University alumni
- United States Foreign Service personnel
- Republican Party members of the United States House of Representatives from Utah
- Members of the United States House of Representatives from Utah
- 21st-century American politicians
- American diplomats
- Utah Republicans
- American people