Rep. Chris Stewart, a Republican representing Utah, may soon step down from his position in the House of Representatives due to his wife’s ongoing health concerns.
According to sources cited by The Salt Lake Tribune, the 62-year-old congressman could announce his resignation as early as Wednesday morning, as he plans to prioritize caring for his wife, Evie.
At the time of reporting, Rep. Stewart’s office had not responded to requests for comment, and specific details regarding his wife’s health issues remained undisclosed. However, the congressman’s dedication to his family’s well-being is evident as he considers stepping away from his political responsibilities.
Having secured a sixth term in office after defeating Democratic candidate Nick Mitchell by a significant margin in the November elections, Stewart’s departure would create a temporary setback for the Republican Party’s already narrow majority in the House. Currently, the House consists of 222 Republicans and 213 Democrats.
Rep. Stewart represents a secure Republican district that encompasses vast regions of Utah’s rural south and west. As a member of the influential House Appropriations Committee and the House Intelligence Committee, he has played an active role in shaping legislation and policy decisions.
In the event of his resignation, Utah Governor Spencer Cox will have a week to establish the timeline for a special primary and general election to fill the vacant congressional seat. The process of selecting a new representative will undoubtedly draw attention and participation from both major political parties in the state.
While it was previously speculated that Stewart had been contemplating a 2024 Senate run for the seat currently occupied by Senator Mitt Romney, a centrist Republican from Utah, his decision to step down may alter his future political plans. The potential vacancy in the Senate race could attract additional candidates seeking to represent the state in the upper chamber of Congress.
Stewart’s potential resignation marks the second occurrence in six years of a Utah congressman leaving their position prematurely.
Jason Chaffetz, former representative for Utah’s 3rd congressional district, praised Stewart’s character, stating, “There is not a finer person than Chris Stewart. He serves with integrity and patriotism.”
