Evan McMullin

Evan McMullin is an American political activist, former Central Intelligence Agency officer, and investment banker who ran as an independent candidate in the 2016 United States presidential election. He gained national attention for his late-entry challenge to the Republican ticket and for positioning himself as an alternative to Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, and other 2016 candidates. McMullin's background spans intelligence work, international affairs, and conservative politics, connecting him to networks across Washington, Salt Lake City, New York City, and global policy circles.

Early life and education

Born in Provo, Utah, McMullin grew up in a family with ties to Brigham Young University and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He attended public schools in Utah before serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Buenos Aires region, which exposed him to Spanish language immersion and Argentine society. McMullin studied at Brigham Young University, where he earned a degree in international studies, and later obtained a master's degree from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, studying alongside peers headed to careers in Central Intelligence Agency recruitment pipelines, United States Department of State assignments, and private sector roles in Goldman Sachs-level finance.

Career in intelligence and finance

After graduate school, McMullin joined the Central Intelligence Agency as an operations officer, undertaking work related to Iran and Middle East regional issues and collaborating with analysts focused on counterterrorism and intelligence assessment products delivered to principals in The White House and the United States Senate. He later transitioned to the private sector, working for Goldman Sachs in investment banking and for boutique firms interfacing with clients in Washington, D.C., New York City, and international capitals. McMullin also served as chief policy director for the House Republican Conference under leaders connected to House Speaker initiatives and Republican policy platforms, coordinating between staffers in Capitol Hill offices and stakeholders in conservative organizations such as the Heritage Foundation, American Enterprise Institute, and state-level groups in Utah.

2016 independent presidential campaign

In 2016, amid internal debates within the Republican Party over the nomination of Donald Trump and the candidacy of Ted Cruz, John Kasich, and other contenders, McMullin launched an independent bid for President of the United States. His campaign emphasized opposition to Trump and offered an alternative to voters dissatisfied with both Trump and Hillary Clinton. McMullin's campaign staff included operatives with backgrounds in campaign finance, ballot access efforts across battlegrounds such as Utah, Nevada, and Colorado, and outreach to conservative media outlets including Fox News, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Although his bid was not successful in securing the presidency—Clinton and Trump dominated the electoral map—McMullin received notable support in the Utah Republican primary and from groups aligned with Never Trump conservatives, Evangelical leaders, and ex-government officials concerned about norms and national security.

Political positions and policy views

McMullin articulated positions on foreign policy, civil liberties, and ethical governance that drew on his intelligence and policy background. He advocated a hawkish posture toward Iran and prioritized security cooperation with allies such as Israel, Japan, and NATO members, while criticizing rapprochement strategies favored by some Democratic and Republican foreign-policy figures. On issues of immigration and trade, McMullin diverged from isolationist currents within the Republican base, aligning instead with internationalist conservatives who have worked alongside think tanks like the Atlantic Council and Council on Foreign Relations. He expressed concerns about presidential conduct that resonated with former officials from the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, supporting norms enforcement and legislative checks tied to congressional oversight and the judiciary as articulated by actors in Supreme Court confirmation debates. McMullin's stance on social issues reflected his Utah roots and engagements with faith-based communities, interacting publicly with leaders from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and civic organizations in Salt Lake City.

Later political activity and public advocacy

After 2016, McMullin continued to engage in political advocacy, supporting candidates and initiatives opposing Donald Trump's influence within the Republican Party and collaborating with groups involved in election integrity and accountability, including former officials from The White House and members of bipartisan coalitions. He participated in media interviews with outlets such as CNN, PBS, and NPR, testified at events alongside former cabinet members from the Department of Defense and State Department, and endorsed or campaigned for congressional candidates in key districts. McMullin also worked with civic organizations focused on ballot access, campaign finance reform, and civic education in partnership with universities like Brigham Young University and policy centers in Washington, D.C.. His post-campaign activities placed him among a cohort of former national-security professionals who have shaped public debates on presidential conduct, partisan realignment, and the future of conservative politics in the United States.

Category:1976 births Category:American political activists Category:People from Provo, Utah