Herbert first became governor of Utah on August 11, 2009, when then-Governor Jon Huntsman stepped down to take a position as U.S. ambassador to China. He later won a special election in 2010 to fill the remainder of Huntsman's term. He was re-elected on November 6, 2012, along with running mate Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell. Herbert won re-election alongside running mate Spencer Cox on November 8, 2016.

Herbert first became governor of Utah on August 11, 2009, when then-Governor Jon Huntsman stepped down to take a position as U.S. ambassador to China. He later won a special election in 2010 to fill the remainder of Huntsman's term. He was re-elected on November 6, 2012, along with running mate Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell. Herbert won re-election alongside running mate Spencer Cox on November 8, 2016.

In 2004, Herbert was a candidate for Governor of Utah until one month before the state nominating convention. At that point, he teamed up with Jon Huntsman and ran as his lieutenant governor. The pair defeated incumbent Olene Walker at the Republican convention and went on to win the general election in November.

Herbert is a former member of the Utah County Commission. While serving as commissioner, he received the National Outstanding Republican County Elected Official of the Year award.