James Evans (Utah politician)

James Evans is an American political executive and businessman who served as Chair of the Utah Republican Party from 2013 to 2017, the first African-American to serve in the role.[1][2] Evans previously served as the first African-American Utah State Senator.[1]

James Evans
Chair of the Utah Republican Party
In office
2013–2017
Preceded byThomas Wright
Succeeded byRob Anderson
Member of the Utah State Senate
from the 1st district
In office
2002–2004
Succeeded byFred J. Fife
Personal details
Born1962 (age 57–58)
Orangeburg, South Carolina, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Alma materTuskegee University (BS)

Early life and education

Evans was born and raised in Orangeburg, South Carolina. He graduated from Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School before earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Tuskegee University.[3]

Career

Evans served in the United States Air Force, reaching the rank of captain.[4] He owned a payday lending franchise called Chekline.[2] Evans served as a member of the Utah State Senate from 2002 to 2004, representing the 1st district.[5]

After serving as Chair of the Utah Republican Party for four years, Evans was defeated for re-appointment and succeeded by Rob Anderson.[6] Evans had faced mounting pressure to resign amid a lawsuit against his business and growing financial debts.[7]

References
  1. Klein, Chanel (June 3, 2013). "James Evans becomes first African American to chair Utah Republicans". The Digital Universe. Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University. Retrieved 2013-06-15.
  2. Gildea, Terry (May 18, 2013). "Utah GOP Elects James Evans Party Chairman". KUER. Retrieved 2013-06-15.
  3. Cortes, David (2017-07-22). "James M. Evans (1962- )". Retrieved 2020-04-25.
  4. Price, Michelle (May 19, 2013). "Utah GOP elects owner of payday lending company party chairman". Standard-Examiner. Retrieved 2013-06-15.
  5. "James Evans (Utah)". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2020-04-25.
  6. Evans, Whittney. "Utah GOP Delegates Oust Party Chair James Evans". www.kuer.org. Retrieved 2020-04-25.
  7. "Former Utah GOP chairman says lawsuits, tax liens and arrest warrant against him don't 'reflect the whole story'". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 2020-04-25.
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