Listen to the article
Salt Lake County GOP Removes Seven Leaders for “False Election Interference Claims”
The Salt Lake County Republican Party has ousted seven executive committee members for making what the party chairman described as “false allegations of criminal election interference,” marking a significant internal rift within Utah’s GOP ranks.
County Chairman Mike Carey announced the decision Thursday, stating that the seven individuals—many of whom have been supporters of former Rep. Phil Lyman’s gubernatorial campaign and efforts to remove Governor Spencer Cox from office—will be barred from holding party positions for at least two years. Five of the seven will also be prohibited from attending party events, except for caucus night, for four years.
“The Salt Lake County Republican Party thrives on healthy, spirited debate that advances our conservative values and unites us in purpose,” Carey explained in a detailed social media statement. “However, fabricating baseless accusations of criminal activity by party leadership, only to then be weaponized as lawfare, crosses an unacceptable line.”
The controversy stems from the county party’s endorsement of Cyndi Sharkey in a nonpartisan mayoral race in Sandy last year. According to Carey, a group led by Tracie Halvorsen claimed such endorsements violated state law, based on what he called a “misguided interpretation” of Utah code.
Following the party’s vote to endorse Sharkey, Halvorsen and seven others—Cathy Duke, Monica Wilbur, Debbie Gerrity, Kaye Sanderson, Natalie Cline, Laurel Fetzer, and Casey Gale—filed a criminal complaint with attorneys in Sandy, Riverton, and Herriman on September 5, 2025. They also forwarded copies to federal officials, including U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel.
“Tracie Halvorsen proceeded to post public statements across multiple social media platforms asserting the party had committed criminal election interference and posted links to all documents she provided authorities,” Carey wrote, adding that these “baseless claims” damaged party operations and reputation.
The matter came to a head during a January meeting when Carey accused the eight individuals of “conduct tending to injure the good name” of the party. After a contentious hearing last Monday that stretched until nearly 3 a.m. and was reportedly disrupted by supporters of the accused, all eight were found to have engaged in injurious conduct.
Halvorsen, who is currently challenging state Sen. Dan McCay in this year’s elections, received the harshest penalty. She was censured, removed from her party office, and barred from holding office and attending events through May 1, 2030. Carey described her as having “a documented history of making caustic and oftentimes reprehensible statements” and “repeatedly harassing and threatening to sue those who disagree with her.” She will, however, retain access to party resources for her Senate campaign.
Sanderson, Cline, Wilbur, and Gale received similar penalties, while Fetzer and Gerrity were censured and removed from county office until May 1, 2028. Duke received only a written reprimand.
Notably, this isn’t Cline’s first disciplinary action in a public role. While serving on the State School Board, she was previously censured by the Utah Legislature for “bullying” after publicly questioning a high school student’s gender.
The removed officials and their supporters have pushed back against the decision, claiming it represents retaliation for legitimate criticism of party leadership.
“This effort by SLCo GOP Chair Mike Carey to purge myself and others from the Republican party for doing literally WHAT HE TOLD US TO DO & what the SLCo GOP bylaws encourage us to do is the most mental thing on the planet,” Wilbur posted on social media prior to the hearing.
Halvorsen similarly defended her actions, stating: “People want the law followed! They want accountability! When 8 members held to that standard, we were retaliated against and unlawfully removed from our positions.”
The internal conflict highlights growing tensions within Utah’s Republican Party, reflecting broader divisions seen in GOP organizations across the country as different factions vie for control over party direction and policies.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
14 Comments
Allegations of false claims and election interference are serious issues that political parties need to address head-on. It’s good to see the Salt Lake County GOP taking action, even if it leads to internal rifts. Maintaining trust in the democratic process should be the top priority.
I share your perspective. Upholding democratic norms and integrity is crucial, even when it means difficult decisions within a party. This demonstrates the challenges Utah Republicans are navigating.
This news raises important questions about the state of the Utah GOP and the ongoing debates around election integrity. While internal party disputes can be divisive, it’s encouraging to see the county leadership taking steps to address concerning claims. Maintaining trust in the democratic process should be the guiding principle.
Well said. Upholding democratic norms and principles should be the top priority, even when it means difficult decisions within a party. This situation demonstrates the challenges facing the Utah Republican Party as it navigates these sensitive issues.
This is a complex situation that highlights the tensions within the Utah GOP over allegations of false claims and election interference. While internal disputes can be messy, upholding democratic norms and principles should be the top priority. It will be important to follow how this situation unfolds and the broader implications for the party.
Well said. Maintaining unity while addressing serious allegations is a delicate balance. This situation demonstrates the challenges facing the Utah Republican Party as it navigates these sensitive issues. Transparency and a commitment to democratic integrity will be crucial going forward.
The removal of these GOP officials is a significant development that underscores the deep divisions within the party over election-related claims. It will be crucial to closely monitor how this situation evolves and the broader implications for the Utah Republican Party’s unity and messaging.
Absolutely. This type of internal conflict can have far-reaching consequences, both within Utah and nationally. Maintaining trust in the democratic process should be the guiding principle, even when it means difficult decisions within a party.
Interesting developments in the Utah GOP. Removing party officials over alleged false claims seems like a bold move to uphold integrity. I wonder what specific claims led to these actions and how the broader party membership views this shakeup.
Agreed, this appears to be a significant internal division within the Utah GOP. It will be important to see how this plays out and impacts the party’s unity and messaging going forward.
The removal of these GOP officials over alleged false claims is a striking development. It speaks to the challenges facing the party in addressing concerns about the integrity of elections. While internal disputes can be messy, upholding democratic norms should be the top priority.
I agree that this situation highlights the delicate balance political parties must strike between addressing serious allegations and maintaining unity. It will be important to closely follow how this plays out and the broader implications for the Utah GOP.
This situation highlights the ongoing tensions within the GOP over election-related claims. It will be interesting to see how the removed officials respond and whether this leads to further intraparty divisions. Maintaining unity while addressing concerning allegations is a delicate balance.
You make a good point. This type of internal party conflict can have ripple effects, both within Utah and nationally. Navigating these issues requires careful consideration of principles, unity, and transparency.