SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake County Republican Party removed seven top leaders from their posts on the executive committee for making "false allegations of criminal election interference" against the party, its chairman announced Thursday.
The seven committee members — some of whom have been close supporters of former Rep. Phil Lyman's 2024 gubernatorial campaign and subsequent efforts to have Gov. Spencer Cox thrown out of office — will all be barred from holding offices within the party for at least two years, while all but two will also be restricted from attending any party events, aside from caucus night, for four years.
"The Salt Lake County Republican Party thrives on healthy, spirited debate that advances our conservative values and unites us in purpose," County Chairman Mike Carey said in a lengthy social media post. "However, fabricating baseless accusations of criminal activity by party leadership, only to then be weaponized as lawfare, crosses an unacceptable line."
He went on to say the individuals' actions "not only smeared the many dedicated volunteers who lead our party, but they threatened the very fabric of our organization, sowing division at a time when unity is paramount."
The issue began last year, when the county party endorsed Cyndi Sharkey, who was running for mayor in a nonpartisan race in Sandy, according to Carey's statement. He said a "small group of party members, led by Tracie Halvorsen," sent a letter claiming that such endorsements were...
SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake County Republican Party removed seven top leaders from their posts on the executive committee for making "false allegations of criminal election interference" agains...