Utah State University alumnus Doug Fiefia’s journey to becoming a politician
Former high school football champion and Utah State University student body president Doug Fiefia has transitioned to a new role in Utah’s politics. His diverse experiences from both USU and beyond have helped shape his approach to politics.
According to his campaign website, Fiefia is a first-generation American. His parents moved from Tonga to the United States in the 1970s, settling in South Jordan. According to Fiefia, he learned about the “American Dream” through his parents’ hard work setting the example for him.
“There’s a grit to people who go to work early in life. I grew up seeing my parents put everything on the line, juggling several jobs to create better opportunities for their kids,” Fiefia said in a 2020 interview with the Huntsman News. “Because of their sacrifices, I don’t sit back and wait for opportunities to come to me. I go out and get them.”
He carried this mentality into college, where he became very involved in various organizations that opened the door to his interest in politics.
The Utah Statesman requested to interview Fiefia by phone, but due to his schedule, the interview was conducted through email.
“My interest in politics really started as a student at Utah State University,” Fiefia wrote. “I served in student government and eventually as Student Body President, where I had the chance to lobby on behalf of students at the State Capitol. We worked on projects that directly benefited the university, like funding for buildings and programs, and even had a resolution read on both the House and Senate floors. Those experiences taught me how the process really works and how to navigate it effectively.”
In addition to being the USU student body president, Fiefia served two terms as the president of the Utah Student Association, acting as a representative for students at all of the universities and colleges in the state of Utah. According to Fiefia, his time as president in both capacities helped grow his understanding of how politics and his role as a representative work.
“Being student body president taught me to listen first and lead second,” Fiefia wrote. “At USU, I represented thousands of students with different needs and perspectives, so collaboration and empathy were key. That experience shaped how I approach policy today by focusing on bringing people together, finding common ground, and understanding how decisions impact families, students, and businesses in real ways. It also taught me to stay grounded and transparent because trust is everything in leadership.”
Despite his high-level roles within the university, he said some of the most important lessons he learned in his time on campus had to do with character.
“I learned that leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about relationships and trust. I also learned how to manage competing priorities and criticism without losing sight of the bigger goal,” Fiefia wrote. “Every challenge was a lesson in humility, patience, and teamwork. Those lessons carry over every day in my work as a legislator, where success comes from building coalitions and staying focused on the people you serve.”
Though Fiefia’s time at Utah State shaped his perspective on politics and his role as a leader and representative of others, he said many of the most important lessons he carries with him come from his time on the football field.
Fiefia had a prolific high school football career at Bingham High School, where he led the team to their first state championship in over 60 years. Fiefia has found many ways in which his football career helped prepare him for his political career.
“Football taught me accountability, discipline, and resilience. You learn to depend on others and show up for your team no matter what,” Fiefia wrote. “In politics and business, it’s the same. You succeed when you trust your team and do your part. The sport also taught me how to lead by example and how to keep moving forward, even when things don’t go your way.”
He also highlighted how the high-pressure environment of football helped him prepare for his time in the high-stress environment of politics.
“Big moments on the field prepare you to perform under pressure. You learn to focus, block out distractions, and execute the plan,” Fiefia wrote. “In politics, you’re often under public scrutiny or making tough decisions that impact a lot of people. That background helps me stay calm, keep perspective, and approach high-pressure moments with confidence and composure.”
Fiefia now serves on the Utah House of Representatives for the 48th District, which covers Herriman, South Jordan and Riverton. With elections right around the corner, he invites everyone, especially students, to be active in their local politics and stand up for issues that are important to them.
“If something feels off or could be improved, speak up,” Fiefia wrote. “Reach out to your legislators, show up to committee hearings, or even send a simple email. You have no idea how much influence that can have. Leaders pay attention when students organize, share real experiences, and push for solutions.”