by Kylee Boyter
kboyter@cherryroad.com

The Utah Republican Party’s convention nominee for governor, State Rep. Phil Lyman, held a meet-and-greet at the Richfield City Park on Tues., May 28.

“I know people are not here for me, they are here for a change,” Lyman said. “They are here because they care about the direction the state is going, the country is going, and what the state’s response is to that.”

Lyman explained he understands the dynamics of Sevier County and surrounding areas, which benefits from mining, farming, and rural values. He believes strongly in maintaining our statehood and pushing back against federal overreach.

“If somebody doesn’t step in front of this train that is heading our way that we are going to have some negative consequences,” Lyman said.

“Lyman received two-thirds majority at the Republican Nominating Convention back in April,” Rick Brunson, republican party member, said, “He is the republican nominee for governor.”

Incumbent Gov. Spencer Cox only received 32.5% of the votes, however, he will remain on the ballet because of gathered signatures. He has qualified to remain on the ballot despite not getting the Utah Republican Party endorsement, and will be on the general election ballot in November if he wins in June.

“Spencer Cox believes that government power is a top down dynamic,” Lyman said.

Lyman expressed his willingness to call out corruption, as he has done in the past, and is actively pushing back against unconstitutional federal laws, rules, and mandates that he believes local governments should have control over.

“I am very different from that. I believe in person-hood and parenthood. I try to always stand up to the federal government, where closed deals are happening that do not have Utah’s best interest in mind.”

Lyman also stands with removing ‘woke’ agendas from schools, prioritizes housing for Utah families, and putting Utah first.

“You can count on me to govern with conservative, constitutional principles,” Lyman said. “I have a proven track record of voting conservatively, even when it is the unpopular choice.”

Lyman closed in interview, “Rural communities are the ones determined to not have themselves controlled by federal policy. When I look at places like Richfield, I see Americana.”

Over 60 residents attended the meet-and-greet, including County Commissioner Greg Jensen and former commissioner Garth “Tooter” Ogden. Utah’s Sevier County Republican Party chairmen, Rick Robinson, and other members of the committee were not in attendance.