Adams graduated from Layton High in 1972,[3] and earned his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Utah in business finance.

In September 2018 Adams was instrumental in obtaining a $1.4 million appropriation to overpay for software from the Utah company Qualtrics.

[11] Soon it emerged that Utah had purchased $800,000 worth of the drug, at vastly inflated prices, from a local pharmacy with personal connections to Adams.

[12][13][14] In 2022, Adams, serving as the Utah Senate president, opened the 2022 general session of the 64th legislature in person, without a mask.

Adams continued his legislative duties unmasked, conversing in close contact with fellow senators, staff and dignitaries, only masking when meeting with members of the media.

[15] In 2018 an independent redistricting commission was formed to better represent the public's voice when it came to redrawing Utah's congressional maps.

[17] The state legislature, under the leadership of Senate President Stuart, ignored the commission's recommendations and drew and approved their own maps.