| 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 62–63) 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. Evans previously served as the first African-American Utah State Senator.
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.
Career
Evans served in the United States Air Force, reaching the rank of captain. He owned a payday lending franchise called Chekline. Evans served as a member of the Utah State Senate from 2002 to 2004, representing the 1st district.
After serving as Chair of the Utah Republican Party for four years, Evans was defeated for re-appointment and succeeded by Rob Anderson. Evans had faced mounting pressure to resign amid a lawsuit against his business and growing financial debts.
References
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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. Archived from the original on 2013-06-15. 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
- 21st-century members of the Utah Legislature