ABOUT CHRIS

Chris Wharton is a sixth-generation Salt Laker born in District Three. With his professional skills and deep roots in the community, Chris ensures District Three residents have an effective and accessible advocate in City Hall.

In addition to his public service, Chris is an attorney, business owner, and community advocate. He operates his own small practice, focusing on family law, estate planning, and LGBTQ+ legal advocacy. Chris has a degree in history from Westminster College and a law degree from the University of Utah. He has earned local and national recognition for his leadership and the hundreds of hours of pro bono work he has provided through various community organizations.

Before joining the City Council, Chris served on the Salt Lake City Human Rights Commission, where he helped establish Utah’s first LGBTQ+ inclusive non-discrimination ordinances for housing and employment. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Utah Pride Center and the LGBT & Allied Lawyers of Utah.

Chris was first elected in 2017 and reelected in 2021. In his time on the Council, he has served in several key leadership roles, including serving as Council Chair in 2020 and Vice Chair in 2018, 2021, and 2024. He also served as Vice Chair of the Community Reinvestment (CRA) Board of Directors in 2019. In 2025, Chris was chosen by his peers to serve a second term as Council Chair.

As part of his Council duties, Chris is a member of the City’s Legislative Policy Committee, the Friends of the Salt Lake City Cemetery Board, and the SLC-Utah Committee for the Olympic & Paralympic Games Governing Board. 

Chris enjoys history, art, and traveling. He is a (one time) award-winning pie baker and a half-decent gardener. He resides in the Marmalade District with his husband, daughter, two Corgis, and two adopted stray cats.