The race to lead the Utah Republican Party has laid bare rifts that formed during the 2024 election cycle. But a Thursday post from President Donald Trump on his social media platform Truth Social may sway some delegates to reelect the incumbent.
“Republicans in Utah have the opportunity to Re-Elect a FANTASTIC Chairman!” wrote the commander-in-chief, who claimed nearly 60% of votes in the Beehive State last November.
Trump continued, “Robert Axson has dedicated his life to the Republican Party, and the Great State of Utah. He is Strongly Supported by many, including Highly Respected Senator Mike Lee, and Governor Spencer Cox.
“Robert Axson has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election as Chairman of the Utah Republican Party — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” the post said.
Axson has led the state party since 2023. He is facing former state lawmaker Phil Lyman, who challenged Cox in the GOP gubernatorial contest last year.
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Robert Axson speaks at the Utah Republican Nominating Convention in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
After losing in the primary election, Lyman mounted an independent campaign and unsuccessfully sued Axson for not circumventing state law to make the party back him — delegates’ chosen candidate at convention — in the general election.
Lyman was pardoned by Trump in 2020 after being charged for leading an illegal ATV protest through a canyon in southeastern Utah that was closed by the Bureau of Land Management to protect archaeological sites of cultural significance to Native Americans.
This story is developing and may be updated.
