| James Evans | |
| Birth Place: | Orangeburg, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Alma Mater: | Tuskegee University (BS) |
| Office: | Chair of the Utah Republican Party |
| Termstart: | 2013 |
| Termend: | 2017 |
| Predecessor: | Thomas Wright |
| Successor: | Rob Anderson |
| Office2: | Member of the Utah State Senate from the 1st district |
| Termstart2: | 2002 |
| Termend2: | 2004 |
| Party: | Republican |
| Successor2: | Fred J. Fife |
James Evans is an American political executive and businessman who served as Chair of the Utah Republican Party from 2013 to 2017, the first African-American to serve in the role.[1] [2] Evans previously served as the first African-American Utah State Senator.
Evans was born and raised in Orangeburg, South Carolina. He graduated from Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School before earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Tuskegee University.[3]
Evans served in the United States Air Force, reaching the rank of captain.[4] He owned a payday lending franchise called Chekline. Evans served as a member of the Utah State Senate from 2002 to 2004, representing the 1st district.[5]
After serving as Chair of the Utah Republican Party for four years, Evans was defeated for re-appointment and succeeded by Rob Anderson.[6] Evans had faced mounting pressure to resign amid a lawsuit against his business and growing financial debts.[7]