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Donors attend a gala held by the Utah County Republican Women at Utah Valley University on Friday, April 29, 2022.

Kelcie Hartley, Daily Herald

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U.S. Sen. Mike Lee speaks at a gala for the Utah County Republican Women at Utah Valley University on Friday, April 29, 2022.

Kelcie Hartley, Daily Herald

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Gathered together with a singular goal were 400 of Utah’s elected officials, candidates and supporters for a banquet hosted by the Utah County Republican Women on Friday.

Held in the UCCU Center at Utah Valley University, both state and federal officials discussed conservative priorities and raised money to supported the campaigns of Republican candidates in Utah.

“There is nothing more that we desire from this event than to meet and know who the candidates and elected officials are. We appreciate your attendance tonight and your service,” said UCRW president Carolyn Wright.

The evening’s keynote speaker, U.S. Sen. Mike Lee, was welcomed with a standing ovation before breaking into his speech — largely focused on the abolishment of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court ruling which protected a woman’s choice to have an abortion.

By reversing the iconic case, Lee said that would allow more power to women in Utah. He added that there can no be protection for “pre-born human life” under the modern interpretation of the Constitution.

“It’s going to re-empower you,” he said. “Not just citizens generally, but Utah County Republican Women. It will put you back in the driver’s seat on what it means to operate a government properly. No longer will this undebatable matter be kept on debate. It will now be front and center.”

Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes talked about several issues he considers threats to the U.S., namely the southern border to Mexico illegal fentanyl within the states.

“The state opioid task force has put in years of work passing federal laws to help people heal and to help stop another generation lose their lives to addiction,” Reyes said. “All this work is for not if we allow our southern board and President Biden’s open boarder policies to allow billions of doses of fentanyl into the country. I thank Utah County for pushing back. Right now, every state is a boarder state thanks to the absolute abdication of responsibility from our president.”

According to a November 2021 presentation by the Utah Department of Health, the number of deaths in the state due to fentanyl have more than doubled since 2019.

Rep. John Curtis flew in from Washington D.C. just for the event, joking that the UCRW would scold him if he was late.

“I have a deep respect for all of you, Utah County and the values we represent. It’s an honor to represent you, and I’ll fly anywhere around the world to spend two hours with you,” Curtis said.

State GOP Chairman Carson Jorgensen gave a short speech thanking the public and reminding people of the importance of events like this. This was his first time at a Vision for America event. Jorgensen added that he is grateful for the opportunity to lead the party and thanked Utah’s Republicans for “defending” conservative values in America.

Also included in the night’s festivities were video messages from Rep. Chris Stewart, of Utah’s 2nd Congressional District, and 4th District Rep. Burgess Owens.

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