Utah lawmakers return for special session for seat vacated by GOP Rep. Chris Stewart
Eden Villalovas
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The Utah Legislature reconvened for a series of subcommittee meetings on Tuesday ahead of the special session set for Wednesday to update election laws after Rep. Chris Stewart (R-UT) announced he will resign from Congress last week.
The special session, called by Gov. Spencer Cox (R-UT), will focus on establishing a time frame for special elections. The legislature will also discuss election finances, alter municipal dates, and cover related election measures.
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“This special election timeline lays out a sensible approach for candidates, parties, voters, and election administrators,” Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson said in a press release. “We’ve balanced urgency with election security and accuracy.”
Under current Utah law, 180 days are scheduled for the special primary and general election. The law requires 90 days between the date the governor ordered the special election proclamation and the date of the primary congressional special election. The Utah rule also requires 90 days between the primary and the general elections.
Stewart cited his wife’s health concerns as the reason behind his departure from the House. The legislature gained a supermajority during the 2022 midterm elections, with the House GOP’s dominating Democrats 61-14.
“It has been one of the great honors of my life to serve the good people of Utah in Congress,” Stewart said in a letter to Cox last week.
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Over a dozen candidates have filed to fill the 2nd Congressional District seat, with Republicans being a majority of contenders. Notable GOP congressional hopefuls include former state Rep. Becky Edwards, Republican National Committeeman Bruce Hough, former Utah House Speaker Greg Hughes, and seven others, according to the Utah Lieutenant Governor’s Office. Democratic state Sen. Kathleen Riebe has entered the race, with three others being unaffiliated with either party.
The primary election to replace Stewart is set for Sept. 5, and the general election will be held on Nov. 21.