As we approach November, we should remember that self-government depends on citizens willing to stand up, participate, and defend the principles that sustain a free society.

Utah has been blessed by a strong tradition of faith, family, service, hard work, and personal responsibility. These values have helped make our state strong. They are worth preserving.

So are the principles at the heart of our constitutional Republic: individual liberty, limited government, free enterprise, the rule of law, and government accountable to the people.

We cannot assume those principles will endure on their own.

As we turn from the primary election to the general election, we also celebrate an extraordinary milestone—America’s 250th anniversary. For two and a half centuries, our nation has stood as a beacon of liberty, self-government, and individual responsibility. Those founding principles remain as important today as they were in 1776, and they continue to guide the Republican Party here in Utah.

I want to thank every Republican who stepped forward to run for office this year. Campaigning is an act of service, and every candidate who entered the arena has strengthened our Party and our representative form of government.