Former Rep. Chris Stewart announces new job at new lobbying firm

Tune in live at 9:35 a.m. to hear Rep. Chris Stewart’s opinions on the government shutdown. 

WASHINGTON D.C. — Former Rep. Chris Stewart has started a new lobbying firm, Skyline Capitol, that will work with defense, automotive, and tech clients at the federal level.

The former congressman, who left office last week, and his new firm have partnered with former National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien, and O’Brien’s firm, American Global Strategies.

“I myself cannot lobby for at least a year, and Robert does not lobby, but we have others who we are working with who can do that,” Stewart told KSL NewsRadio. 

Federal rules prevent him from lobbying his former colleagues for one year, however, he can lobby the Biden administration right away and can advise others on how to lobby.

Skyline Capitol’s physical location is reportedly on K-street in D.C., known as a center for lobbying and advocacy groups.

Stewart’s former Chief of Staff, Clay White, will be the firm’s VP of government relations.

Stewart says job will allow for care of his wife

Stewart resigned from Congress citing his wife’s health and his need to be in Utah to help take care of her.

“This will allow me to do that, I won’t be gone 80% of the time like I was before,” he said. “But you step down from Congress and you still have to work … at least most of us do, and I want to work in areas that I’ve been working in previously,” he said.

Stewart said the new job will only require “three or four days a month” of travel.

“I really, really want to stay home and this is going to allow me to do that,” he said.

“Strategic partnership” with former top US official

A news release announced that Skyline Capitol and American Global Strategies entered into a “strategic partnership.” O’Brien’s firm consults and lobbies for defense, technology, aerospace, maritime, and private equity industries, among others.

“We’re going to be working with our allies…and…defense industries…and tech companies, with universities, that’s important work,” he said.

The AGS website lists O’Brien’s firm as “a leading international advisory and consulting firm.” It assesses “the global geopolitical environment, devising strategies for navigating United States Government processes and policies.”

In a press release, O’Brien said he is glad to have Stewart and his expertise partnership with his firm. 

“Congressman Stewart was one of the most respected members of Congress, with a long history of dedicated service to the country. His expertise on intelligence and appropriations matters is unmatched,” said O’Brien. 

“Never wanted to be a lobbyist”

“And I got to be honest,” Stewart said. “I never wanted to be a lobbyist, I never thought I would work in government relations but I realized that it’s an extension of opportunities and work I was doing before.  … Because of that, I’m really quite excited about it.”

Stewart said the opportunity came about after he decided to resign. Namely, after a conversation with O’Brien once it was announced he was stepping down. 

“He was the first person I talked to [after the press announced my resignation,] and we had never discussed this before,” he said.

Stewart said he never intended to leave Congress, and so it was never a topic of discussion before. It took several months, he said, to get the plans solidified. 

“But it started initially from the conversation with [O’Brien] soon after I announced I was going to retire from Congress.”

Related:

• Here are the candidates who hope to replace former Rep. Chris Stewart in Utah’s 2nd Congressional District
• State Sen. Kathleen Riebe wins Democratic nomination in bid to replace Chris Stewart
• Celeste Maloy wins 2nd Congressional District GOP primary, Edwards concedes
• Turnout in the race to replace Congressman Chris Stewart around 15 percent
• Rep. Chris Stewart’s farewell to Congress

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