Message from the Chairman: Defending Our Constitutional Republic & Utah’s Constitution

On August 26, Judge Dianna Gibson wrongly struck down Utah’s congressional map. Her ruling twists the law, ignores our constitution, and hands power to unelected judges over the people’s representatives.

Utah’s constitution is clear: the Legislature—not the courts—has the authority to draw maps. The 2021 plan was open, balanced, and designed to reflect both urban and rural communities. This ruling threatens that process and sets a dangerous precedent.

I call on the Legislature to appeal immediately—and I call on you to stay engaged. Contact your legislators. Talk to your neighbors. Let’s make it clear: Utahns will not let activist judges silence our voice.

Together, we will defend our constitution from those who are undermining our Republic.

Sincerely,

Robert Axson
Chairman

September 2025 Updates

Party in Action: Recent Wins & Updates

We’ve had a busy and productive month as we continue laying the groundwork for success in November. From finalizing internal decisions to strengthening partnerships, every effort is focused on building momentum and keeping our Party moving forward.

A few key highlights this month:

• Concluded our State Central Committee meeting and elected new internal committees to help guide the Party’s work
• Deepened coordination with the legislature to align on priorities that matter to Utah voters
• Strengthened connections with local leaders, campaigns, and county parties to keep our efforts unified and effective
• Utah’s Attorney General Derek Brown led a landmark crackdown on the porn industry setting a national precedent for accountability, protecting children and holding those who profit from their suffering responsible
• State Party leadership attended the RNC Summer Meeting, brining back valuable insights and strategies
• State Party leadership met with JD Vance while at RNC Summer Meeting
• Chairman Axson met with key decision-makers, including the White House, NRCC, and RNC to address concerns related to judicial activism
  • Listen to Chair Axson's interview with KSL HERE

Upcoming Events

• Elephant Club
  The Elephant Club is a network of donors who gather monthly to hear from influential political voices and connect with other engaged conservatives. Learn more or join at utahelephantclub.com.
  
  • Elephant Club South: September 22, 2025 at 12:00 PM. Featuring State Senator Evan Vickers with Representatives Joe Eliason, Colin Jack, and Neil Walter
  • Elephant Club: September 24, 2025 at 11:30 AM. Judiciary Reform Panel with State Senators Brady Brammer, Kirk Cullimore, and State Representative Jordan Teuscher
• Utah Republican Party at the State Fair
  Visit us at booth J-36 during the Utah State Fair, September 4-14!
  Stop by for voter registration info, to learn more about the Party, and to grab official UTGOP merch. Find information about volunteering HERE!

Keeping Utah Red in 2026

Last month, we highlighted the Democrats’ new agenda to flip seats in Utah’s House and Senate blue in 2026. Before the busyness of fall and the holiday season sets in, I want to take a closer look at their strategy—and why it’s critical that we stand strong to defend our Republican majorities in the state House and Senate. Democrats are targeting several key seats in the Utah House:

• HD 10 (Ogden area) – Rep. Jill Koford (R)
• HD 26 (West Valley City, Magna) – Rep. Matt MacPherson (R)
•  HD 27 (Magna, Kearns, Copperton) – Rep. Anthony Loubet (R)
• HD 36 (Taylorsville) – Rep. Jim Dunnigan (R)
• HD 39 (West Jordan) – Rep. Ken Ivory (R)
• HD 42 (Sandy, N. Draper) – Rep. Clinton Okerlund (R)
• HD 43 (Sandy and Draper) – Rep. Steve Eliason (R)
• HD 44 (South Jordan) – Rep. Jordan Teuscher (R)

They are also setting their sights on State Senators Dan McCay (SD 19) and Kirk Cullimore (SD 20).

Our Republican supermajorities in the Utah House and Senate are essential to our ability to advancing good governance, protecting Utah values, and ensuring our Party platform values are reflect in state policy. At the Utah Republican Party, we already have plans in motion to defend the targeted seats in 2026, but we can’t do it alone.

Our candidates will be working hard knocking on doors, meeting with voters, and speaking at events. But they will need support in terms of volunteers, campaign teams, and contributions to fund advertising. Whether it is volunteering, supporting a candidate, spreading the word in your neighborhood, or donating, every effort will make a difference.

Together, we can Keep Utah Red in 2026.

— Melanie Monestere

Vice Chair, Utah Republican Party

Help protect Republican seats in 2026!