James Evans (Utah politician)
James Evans | |
|---|---|
| Chair of the Utah Republican Party | |
| In office 2013–2017 | |
| Preceded by | Thomas Wright |
| Succeeded by | Rob Anderson |
| Member of the Utah State Senate from the 1st district | |
| In office 2002–2004 | |
| Succeeded by | Fred J. Fife |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1962 (age 61–62) Orangeburg, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Alma mater | Tuskegee University (BS) |
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]
Early life and education
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]- ^ a b 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.
- ^ a b Gildea, Terry (May 18, 2013). "Utah GOP Elects James Evans Party Chairman". KUER. Retrieved 2013-06-15.
- ^ Cortes, David (2017-07-22). "James M. Evans (1962- )". Retrieved 2020-04-25.
- ^ Price, Michelle (May 19, 2013). "Utah GOP elects owner of payday lending company party chairman". Standard-Examiner. Retrieved 2013-06-15.
- ^ "James Evans (Utah)". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2020-04-25.
- ^ Evans, Whittney (21 May 2017). "Utah GOP Delegates Oust Party Chair James Evans". www.kuer.org. Retrieved 2020-04-25.
- ^ "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.
- Living people
- African-American state legislators in Utah
- Republican Party Utah state senators
- People from Salt Lake County, Utah
- State political party chairs of Utah
- United States Air Force officers
- Businesspeople from Utah
- Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School alumni
- Tuskegee University alumni
- 1962 births
- 21st-century African-American politicians
- 20th-century African-American politicians
- Black conservatism in the United States