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
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 2 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.
- 1 2 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. "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.