Huntsman, Jon (1960-…), a Republican, was Utah’s governor from 2005 to 2009. Huntsman has held a number of diplomatic posts, including serving as United States ambassador to China from 2009 to 2011. From 2017 to 2019, Huntsman served as the U.S. ambassador to Russia.
Jon Meade Huntsman, Jr., was born in Palo Alto, California, on March 26, 1960. His father, Jon Huntsman, Sr., became a wealthy businessman by developing packaging for fast-food sandwiches. The younger Huntsman dropped out of high school during his senior year to play keyboard in a rock band. He later passed the General Educational Development (GED) test to earn a certificate equal to a high school diploma. He enrolled at the University of Utah in 1978. In 1979, Huntsman, a Mormon, began a two-year mission to Taiwan. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in international politics at the University of Pennsylvania.
Huntsman began his career in politics as an intern for U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah. He then worked as a staff assistant in the White House under President Ronald Reagan. In 1984, he served as the Utah director for Reagan’s reelection campaign. In the late 1980’s, Huntsman moved to Taiwan while working for his family’s business interests. In 1989 and 1990, Huntsman served in posts in the Department of Commerce under President George H. W. Bush. In 1992 and 1993, Huntsman served as U.S. ambassador to Singapore.
From 1993 to 2001, Huntsman returned to work for his family’s business, the Huntsman Corporation. From 2001 to 2003, he served as U.S. trade representative and U.S. trade ambassador under President George W. Bush. Huntsman was elected governor of Utah in 2004. He was reelected in 2008. In 2009, he stepped down as governor to become U.S. ambassador to China under President Barack Obama. He served as ambassador until April 2011. Soon afterward, Huntsman announced his candidacy for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination. He dropped out of the race in January 2012, however, after polling poorly in early nominating contests. In March 2017, President Donald Trump named Huntsman U.S. ambassador to Russia. Huntsman resigned from the position in August 2019.
