Utah Republican Chair says special session expected after Rep. Stewart steps down

SALT LAKE CITY– Utah Republican Chair Robert Axson says he believes state lawmakers will call a special session to address Rep. Chris Stewart’s plans to step down from Congress.

Axson told KSL at Night if Stewart resigns in September, it could overlap with a potential re-election campaign for his successor. 

As of now, Utah would have a vacant seat in Washington. The state law currently requires 90 days for a primary and another 90 days for a general election to fill that seat. 

According to Axson, the special session would allow adjustments to that law.

“I think it is a detriment to voters,” said Axson. “If this election overlaps with next year’s likely reelection bid for whoever replaces Congressman Stewart.”

Axson said the idea for this session would be to cut down that wait time.

Stewart announced his resignation from the U.S. House of Representatives on May 31, citing concern for his wife’s health.

In a statement, Stewart said, “It has been one of the great honors of my life to serve the good people of Utah in Congress … But my wife’s health concerns have made it necessary that I retire from Congress after an orderly transition can be ensured.”

Related:

• County clerk discusses special election to replace Stewart
• Candidates starting to line up as potential replacement for Rep. Stewart