House Speaker Brad Wilson to step down in November

Sep 18, 2023, 11:20 AM | Updated: Sep 19, 2023, 8:33 am

Utah House Speaker and senate candidate Brad Wilson is pictured speaking...

House Speaker Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, gives his speech during the opening day of the Utah Legislature's 2023 session at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. (Jeffrey D. Allred/Deseret News)

(Jeffrey D. Allred/Deseret News)

BY SAMANTHA HERRERA AND LINDSAY AERTS

KSLNewsRadio

Live at 9:05 a.m. on Dave & Dujanovic. Does quitting impact a political figure’s image?

SALT LAKE CITY — House Speaker Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, announced Monday that he would be stepping down this year.

According to a press release from the Utah House of Representatives, Wilson will step down from his role as Speaker and as a representative, effective Nov. 15.

“I thought it was in the best interest for the Legislature and the people of Utah to have a full-time Speaker of the House. So that’s why I tendered my resignation today so that a new Speaker could get elected,” Wilson said.

Wilson’s announcement came less than a week after Sen. Mitt Romney announced he would not run for reelection. Wilson filed as a candidate for the U.S. Senate in July but called it an “exploratory move” at the time.

What’s next?

Hours after Wilson’s announcement, House Majority Leader Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, confirmed he would be running to replace Wilson as Speaker of the House.

As for Wilson, an update to his campaign website said that he’d be making a “special announcement” on Sept. 27. Wilson told KSL NewsRadio that the announcement would address what his next plans are.

The announcement from Wilson today did not mention a Senate run, only that he’s excited for his next chapter. But many in political circles call it an “open secret.”

“I can’t serve people of my district and also serve as Speaker of the House and simultaneously do that work and run at the same time.”

Wilson has served as Speaker of the House since 2019 and as a state representative since 2011. His replacement will be picked by Davis County delegates.

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House Speaker Brad Wilson to step down in November

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