Don Guymon, Davis County Republican Chair, Shares Insights on Utah Politics and Principles

In a compelling discussion with State Senator John Johnson, Don Guymon, the chair of the Davis County Republican Party, opens up about his extensive political journey, the challenges facing Utah’s Republican Party, and the importance of principled leadership. Known for his steadfast commitment to conservative values and constitutional principles, Don offers a candid perspective on key issues such as party leadership, legislative accountability, public land ownership, and the ongoing fight to preserve Utah’s caucus convention system.

This deep dive into Utah’s political landscape highlights the complexities and opportunities ahead for conservatives in the state. Drawing from over three decades of involvement in Utah’s liberty movement, Don emphasizes unity based on shared principles rather than personality politics, a stance that resonates strongly in today’s polarized climate.

PoliticIt Radio – Don, rockin’ Utah’s land

From State Delegate to Party Chair: Don Guymon’s Political Journey

Don Guymon’s political career began in earnest back in 1998 when he was elected as a county delegate for the Davis County Republican Party. His commitment and leadership quickly propelled him to the State Central Committee in 1999, where he represented Davis County for more than two decades until 2021. Over the years, Don took on various leadership roles including legislative chair, senate vice chair, and constitution and bylaws chair—positions that allowed him to shape the direction of Utah’s Republican politics deeply.

After taking a brief hiatus in 2021 to help found the Davis County Conservatives, Don was invited back to serve as the Constitution and Bylaws chair, a role that reignited his passion for party governance. When the opportunity arose to run for Davis County Republican Party chair, he felt the timing was right to step up once again. “I think we’re really at a critical time in our state and for our party,” Don explains, underscoring the need for principled leadership amid growing challenges.

Interestingly, Don’s election to party chair was largely uncontested. While he initially faced a challenger, the opponent withdrew, leaving Don to assume the position unopposed. This outcome surprised him somewhat, given that some Republicans in Davis County are wary of his unapologetic conservatism. Yet, his long-standing service and reputation as a principled voice won the day.

Leadership Rooted in Principle

Don emphasizes that his leadership style is anchored in principle rather than popularity. He candidly acknowledges that some within his party may not always agree with him, but he remains focused on representing core conservative values and improving the party’s effectiveness. “I want to have a scorecard that I think really truly reflects how we believe,” he says, highlighting his commitment to accountability and transparency.

Utah Grassroots: Holding Lawmakers Accountable

One of Don’s most significant contributions to Utah politics has been his leadership of the Utah Grassroots organization, which has been grading Utah lawmakers since 1992 on their adherence to constitutional principles. Don joined the board in 2001 and has chaired the group since 2006, authoring the well-respected GrassRoots Report that evaluates legislators’ votes through the lens of limited government, lower taxes, family values, and pro-life policies.

Each legislative session, Don and a dedicated board of around seven members review approximately 70 to 80 bills. They conduct a principled analysis, setting aside personalities and focusing solely on how votes align with foundational conservative values. This approach ensures that the scorecard remains objective, principled, and consistent.

“We’re not going to take people out of this and personalities. We’re just sticking on the bills and how we feel the vote should have gone,” Don explains. The principles they assess include adherence to the U.S. Constitution, limited government, family values, and pro-life stances.

The Power of Unity in Principles

Don believes that these shared principles are what unite conservatives across the state, despite political disagreements or personality clashes. He recalls Pastor Beckel’s recent remarks at the Utah State Central Committee meeting, where Beckel urged Republicans to unite around the Bible, the Constitution, and the party platform. For Don, this triad forms the bedrock of political unity and effective governance.

“I don’t talk about unity just for unity’s sake,” Don says. “You need to unite around principles.” He stresses that politics today suffers from too much focus on personalities and not enough on enduring principles. This insight is especially relevant given the fracturing within Utah’s conservative ranks over recent legislative battles and party reforms.

Public Lands and the Missed Opportunity for Utah

One of the most contentious issues discussed is the management of Utah’s vast public lands. Don critiques the federal government’s ownership of nearly two-thirds of Utah’s land, arguing that according to the Constitution, the state should own minimal land, primarily for defense purposes.

Don supports efforts to transfer federal lands to private ownership, seeing this as a way to reduce government control over the “means of production” and stimulate housing development. He references a bill proposed by Senator Mike Lee aimed at transferring land around cities to private hands to increase housing supply and lower prices—an “economics 101” solution that unfortunately faced severe backlash.

“We really missed an opportunity,” Don laments. He points out that many conservatives unfairly attacked Mike Lee’s proposal based on misconceptions and misinformation about the bill’s content. The reality, Don explains, was that the bill targeted land within city boundaries managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and was intended to alleviate Utah’s housing crisis by increasing available property for development.

Don stresses the importance of basing political debates on facts and principles rather than personalities or political vendettas. The attacks on Mike Lee and others like Speaker Mike Schultz, who showed courage by supporting principled causes despite criticism, reveal deep fractures within the party that undermine conservative goals.

Housing Crisis and the Role of Land Policy

Utah’s housing prices have become “atrocious,” Don explains, with supply lagging behind demand due to limited available land. Increasing the supply of developable land, especially around urban areas, is a vital step toward more affordable housing. The rejection of Mike Lee’s bill, which sought to enable this, exemplifies the political challenges conservatives face when trying to implement practical solutions.

Don also addresses fears around “15-minute cities” and high-density housing, suggesting that responsible development and land transfers can help avoid such outcomes by providing more housing options without excessive government control.

Fighting to Preserve Utah’s Caucus Convention System

Another key focus for Don as Davis County Republican Chair is opposing SB54, legislation that threatens Utah’s traditional caucus convention system. Don has been a vocal opponent of SB54 and served as a spokesperson during the party’s legal challenges against the law.

He recently helped pass a constitution bylaw in Davis County affirming that the caucus convention system remains the only recognized method to secure the party’s nomination, according to county documents. This move aims to safeguard grassroots involvement and ensure that party nominations reflect the will of committed party members rather than a signature-gathering process that Don views as misleading.

Don warns voters to be cautious when approached by individuals claiming to represent the Republican Party in efforts to gather signatures for alternative nomination methods. “The Republican Party is never going to send somebody out for signatures,” he asserts, noting that such actions violate party bylaws and misrepresent the party’s official stance.

Strengthening Party Messaging and Engagement

Looking ahead, Don plans to enhance messaging around the Davis County Republican Party platform to unite members around shared beliefs rather than mere party affiliation. He believes that the platform, which emphasizes God, family, the Constitution, and limited government, provides a clear foundation for selecting candidates and guiding policy.

Don also aims to organize a Lincoln Day dinner focused on principles and unity, and to manage the upcoming countywide special convention for the first time in his experience due to a resignation. These efforts reflect his commitment to revitalizing party involvement and ensuring that grassroots voices remain central to Republican politics in Utah.

Conclusion: A Call to Preserve Freedom Through Principles

As the conversation draws to a close, Don offers a heartfelt message about the importance of freedom and the principles that sustain it. Reflecting on recent celebrations like July 4th and Pioneer Day, he urges Utahns to focus on the preservation of freedom through adherence to the Bible, the U.S. Constitution, and the Republican Party platform.

“Freedom needs to be preserved. And the only way we’re going to protect and preserve freedom in this country and state is by focusing on those principles that unite us.”

Don’s insights offer a roadmap for conservatives seeking to navigate the complexities of modern politics while remaining true to foundational values. His emphasis on principled leadership, legislative accountability, and grassroots engagement provides a hopeful vision for the future of Utah’s Republican Party and the broader conservative movement.

Through his decades of service and unwavering commitment, Don Guymon exemplifies the kind of leadership that prioritizes unity through shared values, thoughtful policy, and respect for the democratic process. His story and perspectives serve as an important reminder that politics grounded in principle can overcome division and drive meaningful change.

Don Guymon on Principles, Party Politics, and the Future of Conservatism in Utah 🇺🇸 An exclusive interview hosted by Utah State Senator John D. Johnson

In this in-depth conversation, Don Guymon—Chair of the Davis County Republican Party and longtime conservative activist—shares powerful insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Utah’s GOP. With more than 30 years of political experience, Don offers a principled and courageous perspective on what it means to lead with integrity in today’s increasingly polarized climate.

🔑 Topics covered in this episode:

• Don’s journey from county delegate to party chair
• Why the caucus-convention system must be preserved
• The importance of principle-based unity vs. personality-driven division
• Utah’s public land crisis and the real story behind Senator Mike Lee’s bill
• Housing affordability, federal overreach, and market solutions
• How Utah Grassroots grades lawmakers on constitutional fidelity
• What voters need to know about signature-gathering tactics
• A call to action for conservatives to re-anchor in the Bible, the Constitution, and the GOP platform

Whether you’re a political insider, a Utah voter, or a national conservative watching local battles unfold, this episode provides clarity, conviction, and a roadmap for reclaiming principled governance from the ground up.

📌 Links & Resources:

🔹 Davis County Republican Party – https://www.davisgop.org

🔹 Utah Grassroots Scorecard – http://utahgrassroots.org

🔹 Senator John D. Johnson – https://johnforutah.com

🔔 Subscribe for more candid political interviews, policy deep-dives, and behind-the-scenes insights from Utah’s most impactful leaders. ⸻

📢 Join the conversation in the comments below. What stood out to you? Are you concerned about the future of the caucus system, housing policy, or party unity?

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