Four Republicans on board to run for Utah’s 2nd Congressional District

SALT LAKE CITY — The current Vice Chair of the Utah GOP, Jordan Hess, told KSL NewsRadio he “intends to file” in the upcoming special election race to replace Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah.

Hess will need to resign his position with the Utah Republicans in order to file.

#NEW A new Republican name now says he “intends to file” for the #CD2 race to replace Chris Stewart.

Jordan Hess is the current vice chair of the @UtahGOP. He’ll need to resign to file.

That brings Republicans to four (confirmed) and Dems at 1. @kslnewsradio #utpol

— Lindsay Aerts (@LindsayOnAir) June 8, 2023

 

Hess’ announcement came a few hours after Utah Sen. Kathleen Riebe, D-Cottonwood Heights, said that she will run for Utah’s 2nd Congressional District seat. She is the only Democrat, so far, to show an interest in the race.

#NEW: Democrats also at least once candidate. state senator @Mskriebe re-confirmed to me today she’s running. She told me that pre-schedule coming out.

State lawmakers who run also have to vote on the proposed timeline to change the special election law. @kslnewsradio #utpol

— Lindsay Aerts (@LindsayOnAir) June 8, 2023

Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah, announced last week he will resign because of his wife’s health. Yesterday he said his official last day will be Sept. 15, 2023.

#BREAKING @RepChrisStewart will vacate his seat on September 15, 2023.

This comes as the special election date is in limbo, but getting clearer.

Governor Spencer Cox now has 7 days to release the schedule. @kslnewsradio #utpol pic.twitter.com/pzwH1yTlb3

— Lindsay Aerts (@LindsayOnAir) June 7, 2023

Earlier on Thursday Bruce Hough, a Republican National Committeeman, said he has filed the paperwork to run for the office.

#NEW: The current Republican National Committeeman @BruceHough tells me he’s filled to run in the #CD2 race.

That’s now 3 Republicans: @beckyforutah, Greg Hughes and Bruce.@kslnewsradio #utpol

— Lindsay Aerts (@LindsayOnAir) June 8, 2023

Greg Hughes the former Utah House Speaker, has also filed to run in the special election.

#NEW: Greg Hughes confirms to me he’s filled to run for Utah’s #CD2 race.

That makes two (official) Republicans along with @beckyforutah.@kslnewsradio #utpol

— Lindsay Aerts (@LindsayOnAir) June 8, 2023

And former Utah House representative and U.S. Senate candidate Becky Edwards has said she “intends to run.”

#BREAKING A lot of names have been rumored, @beckyforutah now tells me she intends to run for the soon-to-be vacant Congressional District 2 seat.@beckyforutah says this is a natural extension of her commitment to public service.

Interviews on @kslnewsradio/ @KSL5TV#utpol pic.twitter.com/sdlB2L8exz

— Lindsay Aerts (@LindsayOnAir) May 31, 2023

Gov. Cox issued a proclamation yesterday with tentative dates for the special congressional election. A statewide primary election is set for Sept. 5, 2023, and a general election will be held Nov. 21, 2023, to fill Utah’s 2nd Congressional District seat. 

Our previous reporting:

• Utah legislature eyes moving back municipal elections for special congressional election
• Gov. Cox says he’s willing to call a special session to change Utah special election law
• Utah GOP wants quick special election for 2nd District seat

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