As two of the Garfield County Republican delegates, we make the following recommendations for the Republican Primary election on June 25, 2024. We believe the following candidates best represent the conservative values of Southern Utah and best reflect the principles of limited government, conservative social values, fiscal discipline, and strict adherence to the Constitution:
Trent Staggs (U.S. Senate) — Staggs is the mayor of Riverton and initially entered the race to unseat Mitt Romney. As a successful businessman and entrepreneur, he is a Washington outsider with solid conservative principles. Staggs fought back hard against COVID tyranny as mayor, which is a good indication of how he will conduct himself as senator. Staggs is a fighter and is ready to take on both Democrats and the establishment GOP. Staggs’ scrappy style is what is needed in Washington. John Curtis is the clear favorite of the establishment, but Utah doesn’t need a second Romney term. Staggs has received the endorsement of President Trump and will be a tremendous asset to him in the next Congress.
Colby Jenkins (UT-Congressional District 2) — Jenkins is a combat veteran who has served multiple tours as an Army Green Beret. His experience has given him a unique perspective about the harm of endless and undeclared foreign wars. A strict Constitutionalist, Jenkins has received the endorsement of Senators Mike Lee and Rand Paul. Jenkins’ commitment to 4th Amendment protections is a radical departure from incumbent Celeste Maloy. Maloy’s support for FISA and expanding the surveillance state should concern those of us who care about civil liberties.
Phil Lyman (UT Governor) — Lyman won the state convention nomination with over 60% of the delegate vote. He is the current District 69 representative and is a former San Juan County commissioner. He understands the rural issues. Lyman is not concerned about growing the state government, he will reduce the income tax, sales tax, and the social security tax and eliminate the sales tax on food. Phil is a man of the people, not part of a good ole boys club. He hasn’t sought endorsements, because frankly, it’s wrong that county commissioners and other elected officials feel they have to endorse a candidate simply because they are worried it will be held against their county and their constituents.
Frank Mylar (UT Attorney General) — Mylar is a staunch advocate of religious liberty, parental rights, the Second Amendment, pro-life issues, and combating federal overreach. He is a seasoned attorney with an impressive legal track record on Constitutional issues and is allied with Alliance Defending Freedom.
Tina Cannon (UT State Auditor) — Cannon currently serves as Deputy State Auditor and has been a successful accountant and small business owner. A true advocate for Utah taxpayers and a principled conservative, Tina will be an honest and faithful steward, ensuring transparency in state government agencies.
Joann Brinton (Utah State School Board) — Brinton won the state convention with over 85% of the delegate vote. Joann has been a teacher in the public school system and she is currently serving as PTA president and regularly volunteers. She understands the rigor of being an educator, loves the public school system, and is a fierce advocate of parental rights. She will prioritize academics, oppose woke indoctrination, embrace Southern Utah values, and empower parents and educators. Joann Brinton understands our rural values and has communicated with many of the people in our communities to understand our unique needs.
Lynn Jackson (State House District 69) — Jackson is a former Grand County commissioner and spent 32 years working for the Bureau of Land Management. While we had initial reservations about supporting someone with close ties to BLM, he has assured us that his values are fully in line with those of Southern Utah and that he will fight to protect local control and oppose federal overreach. He has expressed his commitment to protecting grazing rights and other western issues that are important to our local economy. He has also stated that his experience with the bureau gives him an advantage because he knows how they operate and how to best counter bureaucratic overreach and abuse.
– by Simone Griffin, Escalante and Daniel Lee Gardner, Boulder
Feature image courtesy of Abbie Call, The Byway.
Read about many of the candidates in the 2024 Republican Primary debates here.