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Logan Walker Taggart is an American politician born on May 18, 1995, in Fort Collins, Colorado, a member of the Republican Party (United States) and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[1] At the age of nine, his family relocated to La Veta, Colorado. Taggart was the youngest person to hold a political office in Colorado.
Logan Walker Taggart | |
|---|---|
| Member of the La Veta Town Board | |
| In office September 10, 2013 – 2014 | |
| Preceded by | Nancy Dick |
| Vice President of the La Veta Cuchara Chamber of Commerce | |
| In office 2014–2016 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 18, 1995 Fort Collins, Colorado, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Residence | La Veta, Colorado |
| Education | B.S. in Business Management (Finance, and Economics), Intercultural Peacebuilding Master of Real Estate Development, Master of Science in Finance |
| Alma mater | Brigham Young University–Hawaii (B.S.), University of Utah (MRED, MSF) |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Known for | Youngest city councilman in Colorado. Youngest politician in Colorado |
| Committees | Budget & Finance, Water, Streets, Police and Code Enforcement |
Early political influences and career
editTaggart's interest in politics was fostered by his parents and influenced by conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh. At just 18 years old, Taggart's political career began when he was appointed to the La Veta Town Board to fill a vacancy left by former Colorado Lieutenant Governor Nancy E. Dick. He was sworn into office taking the oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution on September 10, 2013, by Mayor Jerry Fitzgerald, making him the youngest city councilman in Colorado's history.[2]
As a city councilman, Taggart was assigned to multiple committees, including the Police and Code Enforcement Committee, the Streets and Alleys Committee, the Water and Sewer Committee, and the Budget and Finance Committee. His extensive committee involvement was part of Mayor Fitzgerald's strategy to provide him with comprehensive experience. Taggart assisted in drafting La Veta's marijuana ordinance following its state legalization, overseeing the city's compliance with the new law.[3] He also helped draft the 2014 city budget.
He faced criticism and a police escort from a heated town meeting when he voted for the removal of a historic tree that was causing drainage issues. Taggart's duties also included hiring a new town marshal and municipal judge, as well as being a part of the dismissal of a town marshal.[4] While serving as a board trustee, Logan crafted new sound blocks for both the mayor and the municipal court from oak harvested by his grandfather on a family farm near Adel, Iowa. Taggart's woodworking skills were featured in the local paper.
Mayoral campaign and Chamber of Commerce involvement
editIn 2014, Taggart ran for Mayor of La Veta as the incumbent Mayor Fitzgerald did not seek re-election. Taggart's campaign focused on local economic development, job creation, and infrastructure improvements. His opponent, former Mayor Doug Brgoch, entered the race just before the deadline. Although Taggart performed strongly, the election was marred by age-related biases and ultimately resulted in Brgoch's victory.[5]
Following his mayoral bid, Taggart's efforts caught the attention of the La Veta Cuchara Chamber of Commerce, now the Spanish Peaks Chamber of Commerce. Impressed by his community engagement and business outreach, the Chamber appointed him as Secretary and later as Vice president. During his tenure, Taggart successfully increased Chamber membership, led efforts to revitalize La Veta's Main Street, and organized the Stonewall Century Ride, a grueling 100-mile bike race in Colorado.[6] Additionally, he organized and led the La Veta Independence Day parade in 2015 and 2016 and led a campaign to adopt a town slogan.[7] Taggart participated in the Independence Day parades he organized, on one occasion dressing as Uncle Sam in a pro legal immigration float along with his sister Keeley portraying Lady Liberty.[8]
Legislative campaign and education
editIn 2020, Logan Taggart ran for the Colorado House of Representatives District 62 seat, challenging incumbent Democrat Donald Valdez.[9] His campaign began with a primary contest against Steven Rodriguez, whom he defeated with nearly 70% of the vote.[10][1] During the general election, Taggart and Valdez engaged in debates on key issues including abortion, rural healthcare, gun rights, energy policy, and jobs. Taggart emphasized concerns about government overreach during the COVID-19 pandemic, and support for rural lifestyles, agriculture, and water resources.[11] Logan chose the slogan "Local Values First" for his campaign, a dig at his opponent whose voting record closely aligned with Denver legislators.[12]
Taggart's campaign was notable for its extensive outreach efforts.[13] He also gained support from Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, with whom he developed a friendship. The two frequently appeared together at rallies and events. Although Taggart did not unseat Valdez,[14][15] he achieved the highest number of votes at the time, ever recorded for a Republican candidate in that district.[16]
Education and mentorship
editTaggart attended Brigham Young University–Hawaii, where he earned a degree in Business Management with a focus on Finance and Economics, a second major in Intercultural Peacebuilding (led by Chad Ford), a minor in Political Science, and a certificate in Mediation. At BYU-Hawaii, he was recognized as the Outstanding Student in Finance and served as the president of the Economics Club. He was closely mentored by economist Dr. Gale Pooley, author of "Superabundance."[17] He later pursued graduate studies at the University of Utah, earning a MRED Master's in Real Estate Development and a Master's of Science in Finance. During his undergraduate studies, he worked as a Business Law Teaching Assistant under Gregory Gibson Esq.
Personal life
editPolitically, he identifies as a conservative, influenced by libertarianism and neoliberal ideas. His high school graduation quote, drawn from Richard Nixon, reflects his longstanding engagement with political thought
His parents are Christal Renee Mead and James Craig Taggart. His father, Craig Taggart, is a distinguished landscape architect and environmental manager who helped plan part of the Pacific Crest Trail while working for the BLM, later EDAW, and then as the environmental manager of the Forbes/Trinchera Ranch[18] where he was noted for his innovative work in developing environmentally sustainable coalbed methane fields[19] and as a founding member of the Western Land Owners Alliance.[20]
References
edit- ^ a b "Logan Taggart". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
- ^ Admin, Gretchen (2013-09-14). "High school student sworn in as La Veta Town board member". The World Journal. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
- ^ Admin, Ruth (2014-03-17). "Marijuana causes discord on La Veta board". The World Journal. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
- ^ Admin, Ruth (2014-03-06). "La Veta Marshal Youngers fired". The World Journal. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
- ^ Admin, Ruth (2014-04-03). "La Veta elects Doug Brgoch as mayor". The World Journal. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
- ^ "Stonewall Century | Spanish Peaks Cycling Association". Retrieved 2024-08-24.
- ^ Admin, Ruth (2015-05-14). "Does La Veta need a town slogan?". The World Journal. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
- ^ Admin, Ruth (2016-05-05). "La Veta Town Board finally playing with a full deck". The World Journal. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
- ^ "Current BYU–Hawaii student Logan Taggart runs for office in Colorado legislature". BYUH Ke Alaka'i. 2019-11-13. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
- ^ "State of Colorado Elections Database » Candidate: Logan Taggart". State of Colorado Elections Database. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
- ^ Adams State University (2020-09-30). Colorado House District 62 & Senate District 35 Debate. Retrieved 2024-08-24 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Candidates tackle the issues at Adams State". The Alamosa News. 2020-10-07. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
- ^ Admin, Brian (2020-09-24). "State legislative candidates square off in radio forum". The World Journal. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
- ^ White, Austin. "Colorado 2020 election results: Live results from Pueblo County, local ballot measures and more". Pueblo Chieftain. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
- ^ Politics, Marianne Goodland, Colorado (2020-10-12). "VOTER GUIDE 2020 | Colorado House District 62: Donald Valdez and Logan Taggart". Colorado Politics. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Logan Taggart". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
- ^ "Superabundance: Population Growth, Innovation, and Human Flourishing". Superabundance. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
- ^ Taggart, Craig (2017-10-18). "Perspectives of a Land Manager". Restoring the West Conference.
- ^ "SLV power line plan draws billionaire's ire". Pueblo Chieftain. Retrieved 2024-09-04.
- ^ "Our Board". westernlandowners.org. Retrieved 2024-08-24.