Utah GOP Chairman Rob Axson retains post despite challenge
Utah Republican Party Chairman Rob Axson successfully retained his position amidst a challenge at the party’s organizing convention. Axson secured approximately 52% of the votes, totaling 1,340 against his opponent Phil Lyman’s 1,215 votes. After his victory, Axson emphasized his role as a “bridge builder,” indicating his commitment to fostering party growth and unity, with endorsements from prominent figures such as former President Donald Trump and Senator Mike Lee.
A key issue at the convention was Utah senate Bill 54, which allows candidates to appear on the ballot via signature collection, a process that has caused division among party members. Delegates declined to pass an amendment that would revoke party membership from candidates who use this method. Axson acknowledged the challenges posed by the bill, stating that it undermines party principles, but urged for unity to address it effectively.
Utah GOP Chairman Rob Axson retains post despite challenge at party convention
Utah Republican Party Chairman Rob Axson kept his seat following a challenge at its organizing convention.
The race was close, with Axson receiving 1,340 votes, about 52%, to his challenger Phil Lyman’s 1,215. Axson characterized himself as a “bridge builder” instead of a burner.
“They want to see additional momentum,” Axson told reporters after his win. “They want to see growth. They’ve seen what I’ve delivered over the last two years … and that is now the new foundation. Let’s build from there.”
President Donald Trump and Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) endorsed Axson ahead of the convention.
Another point of contention at the convention came from Utah Senate Bill 54, a law that has grown controversial to members of the Utah GOP. It allows for a candidate to be placed on the ballot by either being nominated by their party or by collecting signatures.
Delegates rejected a proposed amendment to the party’s constitution that would revoke a Republican candidate’s party membership to the Utah GOP if they gain access to the ballot through signature gathering instead of through the nominating process within the party.
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During his speech, Axson told delegates that SB54 “still undermines the principles of our party” but that “the law is the law, and claiming otherwise is not a strategy for success, no matter how loudly you do so.”
“We must repeal SB54, but we cannot unless we are united,” he said. “We can’t beat SB54 if we spend all our time beating one another.”
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