Merrill Cook dies; anti-tax maverick represented Utah in Congress for two terms

1946-2026: Cook was famous for losing elections and clashing with other Utah Republicans, until finally winning a U.S. House race after a rival fell into scandal.

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Merrill Cook campaigning in 1996, the year he won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. His wife, Camille, is seen at left. Merrill Cook died March 9. 2026, at age 79.