CACHE COUNTY – The Utah chapter of Americans for Prosperity has endorsed the candidacy of Paul Borup for the Utah House District 3 seat in the upcoming election.
Kevin Green, the state director of AFP-UT, announced the group’s endorsement of Borup and four other candidates for state office on Mar. 7.
“We’re confident that these candidates for the state legislature will fight for a brighter future for all Utahns,” Green said.
“I’m honored that Americans for Prosperity – Utah recognized my efforts on the Cache County Council to support free market solutions, fight reckless spending and promote regulatory reform,” Borup said, acknowledging the group’s endorsement.
A commercial insurance broker, Borup is a native of Logan and a graduate of Utah State University with a degree in economics. Since his election to the county council in 2018, his areas of concern were improved coordination with the valley’s municipalities and proper management of county finances and resources.
Borup was a controversial figure during his single term in county government from 2018 to 2022. He famously clashed with County Executive David Zook and more or less drove former County Clerk/Auditor Jess Bradfield from office.
Borup was also the driving force behind an independent forensic audit that identified longstanding oversight problems in the county’s government that Borup termed “financial shenanigans.”
Although he pledged not to run for public office again on the eve of his departure from the county council in 2022, Borup declared for the House District 3 seat earlier this year as soon as it became known that the incumbent Rep. Dan Johnson (R-Logan) would not seek re-election.
“Despite relentless criticism,” Borup said, “I’ve been steadfast in my commitment to sensible governance, safe communities and sustainable growth. I’ll bring that experience and enthusiasm to the legislature and hit the ground running on day one.”
After being elected to the Utah House in 2018, Johnson fell into the role of the Legislature’s elder statesman on issues relating to education based on his long experience in public and private school administration.
Now in ill health, Johnson has endorsed River Heights Mayor Jason Thompson to replace him in the Legislature. Johnson has a similar background to Johnson’s in public education.
Americans for Prosperity is a grassroots national organization with a mission to reduce taxes and government spending, promote entrepreneurship and restore fairness to the American judicial system.
They recruit and unite concerned citizens in 35 states to advance policies that will help people improve their lives.
In addition to Borup, AFP-UT has given its endorsement to Jill Koford in House District 10, Doug Fiefia in House District 48, state Rep. Candice Pierucci (House District 49) and Heidi Balderree in Senate District 22.
“We’re confident that these candidates’ stances on fiscal reform will make them valuable allies in the fight for economic prosperity,” Green added.