If you’ve been asking “Who is Evan McMullin and why is he in the news?” then you’re not alone. If you search for “independent candidate 2016” then you will most likely see Evan McMullin’s name pop up. That’s right—he’s the newest Republican candidate to compete in this year’s presidential race against Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump! Curious to know more about Evan McMullin? If so, then let us serve as your Evan McMullin wiki with these five facts you need to know.
He’s Former CIA
McMullin is 40 years old, he is and unmarried due to his intensive work at the CIA. During 9/11, McMullin was training in Langley, Virginia, at CIA headquarters, according to ABC News. He completed his training and volunteered in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia where he was responsible for counterterrorism operations. McMullin may be used to working in the shadows, but all that will have to change if he’s going to make a run for the White House. Of course we don’t expect him to divulge military secrets, but counterterrorism tactics could be just what the doctor ordered versus Trump’s proposed laws.
Goldman Sachs
After leaving the CIA in 2011, McMullin briefly worked at Goldman Sachs in San Francisco, according to his LinkedIn profile. He earned his MBA from Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
The House of Representatives
In 2013, McMullin was working as senior advisor to the chairman of the House of Foreign Affairs Committee and other members of the House of Representatives. Last year, he joined the Republican Conference, which serves as a communications platform for Republican representatives, as chief policy director.
Mormon Missionary
According to ABC News, McMullin was born in Provo, Utah, and served as a Mormon missionary in Brazil. He later volunteered at a refugee resettlement in Amman, Jordan, on behalf of the United Nations. This guy sounds too good to be true, but there’s a reason he was chosen by the Republican Party to become Trump’s replacement.
Not a Trump Fan
If you check out the Evan McMullin Twitter account, chances are you will find a tweet or two about Trump and how critical McMullin can be towards him. McMullin uses his social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to fire back at Trump and his views of the Republican presidential nominee is just one of the reasons he’s running for president.
“He is running, first and foremost, out of a deep love for this country, and because he understands the true brand of American leadership that is required to be Commander-in-Chief,” said an e-mail sent by his campaign to supporters.
Could McMullin be the Republican candidate this presidential race needs? Sure, he’s not popular and nowhere near famous due to his covert resume, but he’s no Trump—which is the reason why was chosen. Trump doesn’t speak for all Republicans, and he certainly doesn’t speak for all Americans.
Do you think McMullin has a chance to “make America great again?” Let us know in the comments below.