Chris Stewart to leave House of Representatives in September
Misty Severi
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Rep. Chris Stewart (R-UT) will resign from the House of Representatives on Sept. 15, the congressman said in a letter on Tuesday night.
Stewart informed Gov. Spencer Cox (R-UT) of his resignation in a letter on Tuesday, confirming his last day in office. The congressman teased the announcement last week, citing his wife’s health concerns as the reason for his departure.
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“I write to inform you that I hereby irrevocably resign from the U.S. House of Representatives, effective at 11:59 p.m. EST on September 15, 2023,” the congressman wrote.
“It has been one of the great honors of my life to serve the good people of Utah in Congress. My family and I have been very blessed by this experience. I thank you for your leadership as governor and dedication to our great state.”
Stewart’s resignation will thin the already slim Republican majority in the House. The GOP holds a 222-212 majority over Democrats.
Stewart has not provided details on his wife Evie’s health conditions, but he claimed her situation made it necessary for him to retire.
“My wife and I have made so many dear friends and memories throughout our journey,” Stewart said in a separate statement. “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. But my wife’s health concerns have made it necessary that I retire from Congress after an orderly transition can be ensured.”
Stewart, who has served in the House since 2013, holds positions on the House Appropriations Committee and House Intelligence Committee.
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Cox is expected to call a special session of the state legislature to set new dates for a special election to replace Stewart. Under Utah law, a special primary must take place more than 90 days after the governor’s proclamation, with the general election occurring at least 90 days after that.
Stewart’s seat is largely considered “safely Republican.” Stewart won reelection by more than 30 points in 2022.