Utah lawmaker resigns to focus on his drone technology company

After running unopposed in the 2022 midterms, the two-term Republican lawmaker says he will be more involved with this international drone business, Fortem Technologies.

Utah lawmaker Rep. Adam Robertson is resigning from the Legislature just weeks after winning another term in the Utah House. The two-term, Provo Republican says he’s stepping away to focus on his technology company.

In an email sent to legislators, Robertson says his company, Fortem Technologies, is “poised to play an expanding role in detecting and defeating threats to freedom around the world.”

“I find myself increasingly engaged with matters of national security for the U.S. Gov, [the Department of Defense], and with numerous allied countries in the Middle East, Europe, and in the Pacific rim. I will be focusing even more on the larger national and world stage and on bringing advanced technologies to those who fight for freedom,” Robertson wrote.

Robertson is the chief technology officer and co-founder of Fortem Technologies, which develops drone technology. Recently the company was awarded a patent for technology that allows a drone to disable a second drone with a net. The Pleasant Grove-based company is also opening an office in Washington, D.C.

Robertson was first elected to the Utah County district in 2018. He was unopposed for reelection during the 2022 midterm elections.

In a social media post, House Speaker Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, called Robertson, a “valued member of our body.

“I know he will continue to contribute great things to the state of Utah and to our country as he focuses more fully on his career and company,” Wilson wrote.

Robertson’s resignation is effective Jan. 1. Republican delegates in Utah County will select a replacement to represent House District 60 in the Utah House for the next two years.

Robertson isn’t the only winner from November who won’t take their seat when the Utah Legislature gets underway in January.

Joel Ferry resigned last year to head up the Utah Department of Natural Resources and was reelected in House District 1 after Republicans missed the deadline to replace him on the ballot. Ferry defeated Democrat Joshua Hardy by more than 60 points. Hardy and the Utah Democratic Party unsuccessfully sued to get Ferry thrown off the ballot, arguing he had no intention of taking the seat in the Utah House if he won.

Ferry officially resigned earlier this week. Republican delegates will select a replacement within the next 30 days.

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