Christopher Peterson

Christopher Lewis Peterson (born 1975) is an American attorney, legal scholar, and political candidate working as the John J. Flynn Endowed Professor of Law at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law. Peterson was the Democratic nominee for the 2020 Utah gubernatorial election, losing to Republican lieutenant governor Spencer Cox. On July 27, 2026, it was announced that Peterson would become the Director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.

Early life and education Born and raised in West Valley City, Utah, Peterson attended public schools. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and Juris Doctor from the University of Utah.

Career After graduating from law school, Peterson worked in Wyoming, Washington, D.C., and Florida before returning as a professor at his alma mater. In 2012–2016 he was on leave to work in Washington, D.C., where he worked in various roles including as a Special Advisor in the Office of the Director at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), in the Office of Legal Policy for Personnel and Readiness in the United States Department of Defense, and as senior counsel for enforcement policy and strategy in the CFPB's Office of Enforcement.

In 2018, he was elected fellow of the American College of Consumer Financial Lawyers.

Utah's 2020 gubernatorial election

Peterson announced his candidacy for governor of Utah on March 4, 2020.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in Utah Peterson initially supported leaving face mask mandates to local governments until cases in Utah spiked, before urging for a statewide mandate. According to his campaign website Peterson supports increased funding for education in Utah including higher teacher compensation and more funds for supplies. He also supports expanding access to affordable health care, safeguarding consumer rights, and stopping gerrymandering. His campaign website also states he wants to improve air quality in Utah, which at times has been poorest in the nation.

Peterson encouraged Republican candidate Spencer Cox to public debates as early as July, but the Cox campaign ignored or refused requests stating it was too early.

Personal life He lives in Salt Lake City and is married to Tera Peterson who is also a practicing attorney. They have three children.