SALT LAKE CITY — Rep. Chris Stewart confirmed reports Wednesday and announced his plans to resign from Congress, saying his time as a representative has been a great honor.
On Tuesday, reports started circulating that Stewart was planning to resign due to ongoing health issues with his wife.
Stewart issued a statement Wednesday saying the opportunity has been, "one of the great honors of [his] life."
“It has been one of the great honors of my life to serve the good people of Utah in Congress,” said Rep. Stewart in the statement. “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. But my wife’s health concerns have made it necessary that I retire from Congress after an orderly transition can be ensured.
The health issues regarding Stewart's wife are not known.
“My family and I have been very blessed by this experience," the statement reads. "Thank you to all those who have supported and sacrificed to help us. The fight goes on. God bless all of you, and God bless our nation.”
Stewart won his sixth term in Congress in 2022 and has served in the seat since 2012.
Gov. Spencer Cox took to twitter after the announcement was made, calling Stewart an "exceptional American."
"Rep. Chris Stewart is an exceptional American, effective conservative voice and good friend," Cox said in the tweet. "We’re grateful for his considerable leadership and his unwavering commitment to representing our state. We honor his service and wish him and his family all the best."
Rep. Chris Stewart is an exceptional American, effective conservative voice and good friend. We’re grateful for his considerable leadership and his unwavering commitment to representing our state. We honor his service and wish him and his family all the best. https://t.co/uqSzyffsB1
— Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox (@GovCox) May 31, 2023
Utah Sen. Mike Lee "bid farewell" to his colleague, wishing Stewart and his family "all the best" in their new chapter of life. Sen. Mitt Romney also issued a statement following the announcement, saying Stewart has been a "terrific partner."
Following the announcement, many wondered what comes next in regards to filling Stewart's seat, as well as talk about who could replace him.
"Once he either issues an irrevocable letter of intent to the Speaker of the House or to Governor Cox indicating that he is going to be resigning at a specific date once that happens, that kicks off a number of timelines," said Robert Axson, Chairman of the Utah Republican Party.
Governor Cox will have seven days to call for a special election.
In a series of tweets Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson said, in part, that the governor would give political parties 21-28 days to nominate their candidates. She added that candidates would also have no more than 28 days to gather and submit signatures to qualify for the ballot.
With Stewart's seat up for grabs, there are lawmakers who are looking to make a run.
"I'm definitely considering it," said State Sen. Todd Weiler (R-Woods Cross). "This is all new and, you know, I've been talking to my family and I'll make a decision in the next couple of days."
