ELECTIONS, POLITICS, & GOVERNMENT
Congressman Chris Stewart announces resignation
May 31, 2023, 10:25 AM | Updated: Jun 12, 2023, 5:01 pm
FILE: Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah, declares victory in the 2nd Congressional District race on election night in Salt Lake City, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014. At right is his wife, Evie Stewart (Ravell Call, Deseret News)
(Ravell Call, Deseret News)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Utah Congressman Chris Stewart confirmed on Wednesday that he will resign from the U.S. House of Representatives.
In a statement, Stewart said that his resignation comes out of concern for his wife’s health.
“It has been one of the great honors of my life to serve the good people of Utah in Congress,” said Stewart. ” … But my wife’s health concerns have made it necessary that I retire from Congress after an orderly transition can be ensured.”
It’s been one of the great honors of my life to represent Utah in the People’s House.
God bless you all, and God bless America. pic.twitter.com/rEeg6G2ry3
— Rep. Chris Stewart (@RepChrisStewart) May 31, 2023
News of Stewart’s announcement was first circulated on Tuesday.
“My wife and I have made so many dear friends and memories throughout our journey,” Stewart’s announcement continued. “I can say with pride that I have been an effective leader for my beloved home state, and I’m honored to have played an important role in guiding our nation through some troubled times.”
Other members of Utah’s congressional delegation responded quickly after Stewart made the official announcement.
https://t.co/7rKZ80JtTd pic.twitter.com/c78Dmk3qTU
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) May 31, 2023
In a tweet, Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes praised Stewart for serving Utah and the U.S. “honorably, passionately, and effectively.”
Chris Stewart is a dear friend and patriot who has represented our state and served our nation honorably, passionately, and effectively in Congress. pic.twitter.com/CEJB5tVGt0
— Sean Reyes (@SeanReyesUT) May 31, 2023
Congressman Stewart’s announcement will trigger a special election, which Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson addressed on Tuesday.
Getting lots of questions about Utah’s congressional special election process, so I will outline it here:
– Within 7 days of a vacancy or letter of resignation, the Governor issues a proclamation identifying the special primary/general election dates.
🧵1/
— Deidre Henderson (@DeidreHenderson) May 31, 2023
