Utah College Republicans Host Conservative Speakers at University of Utah

Event features Nick Shirley, Kai Schwemmer, and other GOP leaders discussing the future of conservatism in the state

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:05am

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring overlapping, fractured geometric shapes in bold colors, representing a group of people engaged in a passionate political discussion.The energetic event showcased the determination of Utah's young conservatives to shape the state's political future.Salt Lake City Today

The Utah Federation of College Republicans (UFCR) and the Leadership Institute hosted an event at the University of Utah featuring several conservative speakers, including YouTube investigative journalist Nick Shirley, Utah native and College Republicans of America political director Kai Schwemmer, and Salt Lake County Republican Party Chair Mike Carey. The speakers discussed the importance of engaging young conservatives, fighting 'complacency' in Utah's Republican stronghold, and building a stronger conservative movement from the ground up.

Why it matters

This event highlights the efforts of young conservatives in Utah to rally support, energize their base, and push back against perceived Democratic gains in the state. As Utah has traditionally been a Republican-leaning state, the speakers emphasized the need for increased civic participation and political activism among college students to maintain the state's conservative leanings.

The details

The event was organized by the UFCR and the Leadership Institute, and featured several speakers who urged the audience of College Republicans to get involved in politics and fight for conservative principles. Nick Shirley, a Utah-born YouTuber known for his investigations into Somali daycare fraud, encouraged the students to have tough conversations with their peers and 'make a difference where your feet are at.' Kai Schwemmer, the political director of the College Republicans of America and vice chairman of the UFCR, spoke about the need to build a 'better America from the ground up' by prioritizing conservative 'populist principles' like job creation and lowering the cost of living. Salt Lake County Republican Party Chair Mike Carey warned of 'a significant amount of erosion' in Utah's conservative stronghold, citing 'complacency' as the biggest challenge to maintaining the state's red status.

  • The event took place on April 12, 2026 at the University of Utah.
  • Nick Shirley met with Elon Musk, Donald Trump and JD Vance just hours before coming to the U.

The players

Nick Shirley

A Utah-born content creator popular for his investigations into Somali daycare fraud in Minnesota, who spoke at the event about conservatism in the United States.

Kai Schwemmer

A Utah native and the political director of the College Republicans of America, who talked about building a better America from the ground up.

Mike Carey

The Salt Lake County Republican Party Chair, who spoke on the importance of the political races in Salt Lake City and the need to return Utah to its fully Red status.

Matt MacPherson

A Republican state representative from West Valley City, who said that much of the issues in conservative turnout stem from the Senate and judiciary.

Carolyn Phippen

The president of the Women's Republican Club of Salt Lake City, who talked about political strategies she gained from her time in politics.

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What they’re saying

“We believe that this country is the greatest nation to ever touch this earth, and we believe that we need another 250 years of us being global hegemon because we are blessed.”

— Riley Beesley, Chairman of the Utah Federation of College Republicans

“Have those conversations with your friends, and don't be afraid of any of the backlash. Just know, you're standing on good ground, they're standing a little bit wobbly, you just ask that second question.”

— Nick Shirley, YouTube investigative journalist

“As soon as we understand all of those parts, we will happily see the reason that hundreds of pioneers died trying to make Utah the state that it is today — and this is a state that could fall.”

— Kai Schwemmer, Vice chairman of the Utah Federation of College Republicans

“There's a fight that's missing. You've got something to lose. Whereas the radical left, they've got something to fight when it comes to political ideology … It's apathy. I think there's a silent majority out there.”

— Mike Carey, Salt Lake County Republican Party Chair

“Don't waste your time on people who have no interest in actually finding solutions. Focus on the people, even if you can't come to a moment, build the relationship with those who are willing.”

— Carolyn Phippen, President of the Women's Republican Club of Salt Lake City

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This event highlights the efforts of young conservatives in Utah to rally support, energize their base, and push back against perceived Democratic gains in the state. As Utah has traditionally been a Republican-leaning state, the speakers emphasized the need for increased civic participation and political activism among college students to maintain the state's conservative leanings.