The Republican Party is a party by the people and for the people. Our Party was established in the 1850s as a movement against expanding slavery in the territories.
Abraham Lincoln was the country’s first Republican president and his 1860 presidency firmly solidified the Party and what it stood for across the country. In 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation and in 1865, the Republican-controlled 38th Congress passed the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery.[1] In 1917, the first woman in Congress, Representative Jeannette Rankin, a Republican from Montana, was sworn into office.[2]
This and a great deal more remind us that roots are important and that we have a rich heritage of standing for the right, equality and human decency.
Our history is critical in framing our future. In Wasatch County, we affirm the infinite worth of all individuals, appreciate the productivity of our citizens, understand the importance of families, and prioritize planning for the time ahead.
In addition, we love and firmly adhere to the U.S. Constitution, value individual freedoms and liberties, and care deeply about state’s rights. We recognize the need for a strong military and professional law enforcement, and appreciate our educators, first responders, and medical professionals.
We invite all citizens to join us in working together for a better Utah and a productive and beautiful Wasatch County.
Jared Rigby, Chair
Erik Rowland, Vice Chair
LaDawn Stoddard, Treasurer
Carolyn Owens, Secretary
Brantley Eason, Media Specialist
Cindy Cossairt, State Central Committee Representative
[1] Republican National Committee. (2021). History of the GOP: Founding of the Republican Party. Available at https://www.gop.com/history/; The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. (2016). America’s Historical Documents. Available at https://www.archives.gov/historical-docs/13th-amendment (providing the text and significant dates associated with the 13th Amendment).
[2] Republican National Committee. (2021). History of the GOP: Founding of the Republican Party. Available at https://www.gop.com/history/