Phil Lyman vows to reform Utah GOP and restore election integrity

Phil Lyman, a candidate for the Utah Republican Party chair, is on a mission to "clean out the GOP" in Utah, likening his challenge to the mythological task of Hercules. During a recent podcast interview, Lyman expressed his frustration with the current state of the party, claiming it has become ineffective and overly compliant with both the legislature and the national party.

Lyman emphasized that the real issue facing the GOP is not the Democratic opposition, but rather internal party dynamics. He pointed out that despite the party's significant majority—outnumbering Democrats four to one—there is a lack of assertiveness and clarity in leadership. "Our problem is not the Democrats. Our problem is the Republicans," he stated, highlighting a need for stronger adherence to party bylaws and greater transparency in candidate vetting processes.

He criticized the recent gubernatorial race, where only two candidates emerged from the convention, and raised concerns about election integrity and the transparency of signature verification processes. Lyman's vision for the next two years includes a commitment to uphold party bylaws and to ensure that candidates are properly vetted, even if it means confronting the lieutenant governor directly.

As Lyman campaigns for the chair position, he aims to rally support for a more robust and independent GOP that stands firm against external pressures. His candidacy reflects a broader call for reform within the party, aiming to restore its strength and effectiveness in Utah politics.