(June 24, 2023) — About a month ago on May 31, Representative Chris Stewart announced that he would be resigning from his position in the United States House of Representatives due to his wife’s ongoing health issues.
Representative Stewart, the six-term Republican who visited Panguitch, Utah, in August, represents Utah’s 2nd congressional district including Salt Lake City and all of western and Southwestern Utah.
His resignation came as a surprise to many.
When Will Representative Chris Stewart Be Stepping Down?
Utah state law requires that candidates have at least 90 days to campaign before Representative Stewart leaves. That date has now been decided to be September 15, 2023, necessitating a special election.
The primary special election will take place on September 5, and the general election will be on November 21. But the changes apply only to this election cycle. On May 1, 2024, the election dates will go back to how they were.
“This timeline will ensure a smooth and efficient transition with minimal disruption to our electoral process. We understand these are unusual circumstances and appreciate the efforts of our municipalities and county clerks in accommodating this election schedule,” said Cox in a press release. “Rep. Stewart has represented our state with integrity and dedication, and we’re grateful for the honorable way he’s executed his duties and represented the people of our great state.”
Republican Candidates
There are 13 Republicans vying for the newly opened seat. This group — to be whittled down this weekend — includes Scott Hatfield, veteran; Celeste Maloy, former legal counsel to Stewart; Quin Denning, entrepreneur; Becky Edwards, former state representative; Jordan Hess, former Utah GOP vice chairman; Henry C. Eyring, accounting professor; Kathleen Anderson, former congressional candidate; Scott Reber, staffer for former Utah Rep. Mia Love; Ty Jensen, conservative content creator; Greg Hughes, former Utah House speaker; Bruce Hough, Republican national committeeman; Bill Hoster, Leeds mayor; and Remy Bubba Kush.
You can read more about the candidates and their positions on ksl.com.
Celeste Maloy won the vote at the Republican Convention Saturday.
– The Byway
Feature image caption: Representative Chris Stewart speaking in Panguitch on August 16, 2022.