Robert Gehrke

News columnist

Robert has spent more than 20 years primarily covering government and politics in Utah and the West, including seven years in Washington, D.C.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Robert Gehrke.

Utah laws are stacked against renters who struggle to get by. Robert Gehrke explains why that could change.

By Robert Gehrke | May 25, 2022, 4:57 p.m.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Robert Gehrke.

Why a skeptic thinks Salt Lake City should host the Olympics again. Robert Gehrke explains his change of heart.

By Robert Gehrke | May 23, 2022, 2:20 p.m.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Robert Gehrke.

Political sign ordinances violate Utahn’s free speech. Robert Gehrke explains why the local laws need to change.

By Robert Gehrke | May 18, 2022, 12:00 p.m.

(Laura Seitz | Pool) Gov. Spencer Cox speaks during the PBS Utah governor's monthly news conference at the Eccles Broadcast Center in Salt Lake City on Thursday, April 21, 2022.

Cox’s energy plan is lacking, Robert Gehrke explains, but could be a starting point if Utah wants to get serious about climate

By Robert Gehrke | May 17, 2022, 1:00 p.m.

(Rick Bowmer | AP) Desiree Hennessy attends to her adopted son Hestevan in 2017. Hestevan died this year and was instrumental in the push for legalized marijuana in Utah.

How one young man changed Utahns’ minds on medical marijuana without saying a word. Robert Gehrke explains.

By Robert Gehrke | May 17, 2022, 1:13 a.m.

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) More than one thousand protesters gather at the steps of The Capitol for the Bans Off Our Bodies protest hosted by Planned Parenthood, on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.

Utah lawmaker’s abortion ban fails to consider the health and well-being of women, Robert Gehrke writes

By Robert Gehrke | May 9, 2022, 12:00 p.m.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Robert Gehrke.

President Biden should cancel some college loan debt, but not for everyone. Robert Gehrke explains why.

By Robert Gehrke | May 3, 2022, 12:00 p.m.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) The Utah Capitol at dusk on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020, during the legislative session.

In response to gerrymandering lawsuit, Legislature’s attorneys argue lawmakers — not the courts — decide redistricting

By Robert Gehrke | May 3, 2022, 12:41 a.m.

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Steve Handy talks to delegates, at the Davis County Republican nominating convention at Farmington High School, on Saturday, March 26, 2022.

Layton Rep. Steve Handy likely to run as a write-in GOP candidate after Trevor Lee’s use of transphobic slur

By Robert Gehrke | May 3, 2022, 1:35 a.m.

(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Delegates attend the Utah Republican Party nominating convention, Saturday, April 23, 2022 in Sandy.

Time to ditch the Utah political convention circus. Robert Gehrke explains why.

By Robert Gehrke | April 27, 2022, 4:08 p.m.