Washington County Republican Women host candidate forum as state convention approaches

The UTGOP Chair Candidate Debate held on May 7, 2025, in Utah, aimed to provide voters with insights into the candidates' positions ahead of the upcoming state conventions. Hosted by Haley Captain, president of the Washington County Republican Women, the event emphasized the importance of community involvement and informed decision-making.

The evening began with a prayer led by Pat Bradley, highlighting themes of liberty and the significance of civic engagement. Following the prayer, attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance, reinforcing a sense of unity among participants.

The debate format included three-minute opening statements from each candidate, followed by a question-and-answer segment where candidates had two minutes to respond. If a candidate was mentioned by name, they were allowed a one-minute rebuttal. This structure aimed to facilitate a dynamic exchange of ideas and clarify candidates' positions on key issues.

Audience participation was encouraged, with questions collected on cards to ensure a broad range of topics could be addressed. The event was supported by local sponsors, including the Washington County Republican Party and contributions from community families, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the gathering.

As the candidates prepared to present their views, the debate set the stage for an engaging discussion on the future direction of the Utah Republican Party, with implications for local governance and party unity as the election approaches.