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Chris Stewart, Utah Rep., to step down from Congress.

Brooke MalloryJune 1, 2023

(Photo by George Frey/Getty Images)

Republican Representative Chris Stewart Announces Retirement from Congress

OAN’s Brooke Mallory
6:12 PM – Wednesday, May 31, 2023

After six terms in Congress, Republican Representative Chris Stewart has announced his retirement. While it is a great loss for the GOP, Stewart’s decision is understandable given his wife’s illness.

“It has been one of the great honors of my life to serve the good people of Utah in Congress. My wife and I have made so many dear friends and memories throughout our journey. 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,” Stewart said. “But my wife’s health concerns have made it necessary that I retire from Congress after an orderly transition can be secured.”

Stewart’s retirement will trigger a special election in Utah’s 2nd Congressional District, which runs from the Salt Lake City metropolitan region to St. George. A Republican candidate is strongly favored to replace him.

Impact on GOP Majority and Utah Politics

Stewart’s retirement will decrease the GOP majority in the House to just four seats and open a seat on the Appropriations and Intelligence committees. It also shifts Utah politics since Stewart was widely thought to be exploring a bid for the governor’s office or the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Senator Mitt Romney (R-Utah). Those ambitions would be placed on hold due to his wife’s illness, presenting openings for other ambitious Republicans.

Stewart’s Accomplishments

The author and former member of the U.S. Air Force, Stewart, was first elected in 2012. He joined forces with Utah child safety activist Elizabeth Smart regarding her memoir about being kidnapped. During the tenure of former President Donald Trump, 62-year-old Stewart was mentioned as a possible candidate for the position of U.S. director of national intelligence.

Special Election and House Votes

According to Utah law, the governor is required to call a special election whenever there is a House vacancy. Republican Governor Spencer Cox will have seven days from the time Stewart formally tenders his resignation to schedule a primary and special election. McCarthy can only afford to lose three Republican votes on any given piece of legislation, assuming unified Democrat opposition.