about Chris

Chris is a dedicated community activist, a conscientious small business owner, and a leading family and civil rights attorney. He was first elected to the Salt Lake City Council in 2017. As a sixth-generation resident of Salt Lake City, Chris has deep roots in District 3.

Before becoming a councilmember, Chris served two terms on the Salt Lake City Human Rights Commission, where he helped establish the state’s first comprehensive non-discrimination ordinances for housing and employment. Chris also served on the Utah Pride Center Board of Directors. He has led advocacy efforts for the equal treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals and families before the state legislature, the Utah Supreme Court, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

Chris graduated from Westminster College with a degree in history before obtaining his law degree from the University of Utah. He won his first jury trial representing the people of Salt Lake City as an intern at the City Prosecutor’s Office. After working several years as an associate attorney, Chris opened his own firm focused on affordable legal services for clients who could not otherwise afford counsel. Chris also serves as a court-appointed guardian for vulnerable children and has donated hundreds of hours of service to the ACLU of Utah, the Rainbow Law Clinic, Equality Utah, and the Utah State Bar.

With his professional skill and experience, Chris ensures District 3 residents have an effective and energetic advocate. In his first term, Chris was elected by his peers three times to serve in leadership in various roles, including vice chair of the Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City, vice chair of the City Council, and chair of the City Council.

In addition to his service as a councilmember, Chris serves as a representative of Salt Lake City on the Utah League of Cities and Towns Legislative Policy Committee, the Salt Lake City - Utah Committee for the Olympic Games, and the Friends of the Salt Lake City Cemetery Board.

From left to right: Clayton, Chris Jensen, Chris Wharton, and Blanche

Chris lives in the Marmalade neighborhood with his husband, Chris Jensen, their two corgis, Blanche and Clayton, and their two cats.