Today, Utah County Republican Party Chair Stewart Peay announced his intent to run for Chair of the Utah Republican Party, while Republican campaign strategist Austin Cox announced he would run to serve as Peay’s Vice Chair.
Peay and Cox both notched impressive victories during the latest election cycle. In Utah County, Peay led the fight to reclaim Congressional District 4 for the GOP, increasing voter turnout by 20 percent over 2018 and helping cement the victory for Congressman Burgess Owens. By day, Peay is a partner at Snell & Wilmer and has also served in the Utah National Guard for 13 years, including one tour in Iraq. He leaves the Utah County Party with Republicans in complete control of every partisan office in the county and debt free.
“We will continue to unify Republicans throughout the State by focusing on the core principles found in the Constitution and taking our message of strong families and limited government to all Utahns,” said Peay. “The successes that the Party enjoyed last year were a direct result of Republicans coming together and focusing on what matters most.”
Cox led both the primary and general election campaigns for Governor Spencer Cox and Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson, including a decisive win at the 2020 Republican State Convention. During the general election, the Cox campaign won with the highest margin of any new governor in state history while also helping to elect Republican candidates across the state. Prior to serving Governor Cox, he worked both in the administration of Governor Gary Herbert as well as the 2016 Herbert for Governor campaign.
“I am more convinced by the day that the future of our state and country depends on the values, principles and solutions that are only found in the Republican Party,” said Cox. “Elections have consequences, and winning in 2022 starts today by unifying our party. I appreciate the confidence of Chairman Peay, and together, we will work to support and defend conservative values while also expanding the Republican tent.”
Both Peay and Cox have worked closely with Chairman Derek Brown during his term leading the state party and will seek to build on his tremendous success in winning elections, recruiting quality candidates and ensuring that the party remains on strong financial footing.
