SALT LAKE CITY – Rep. Chris Stewart’s resignation from his Second Congressional District seat will take effect Sept. 15.
As a result, primary elections throughout the state will be held on Sept. 5 and the general election on Nov. 21, according to a news release.
“It has been one of the great honors of my life to serve the good people of Utah in Congress,” Stewart said in his June 6 letter to Gov. Spencer J. Cox and communicated via news release. “My family and I have been very blessed by this experience. I thank you for your leadership as Governor and dedication to our great state.”
In order to minimize the amount of time that the House seat will be vacant and to accommodate this year’s municipal elections, the executive and legislative branches announced the resulting primary and general election dates.
Cox has issued two proclamations related to the special elections. The first calls a special election and establishes timelines for the election. The second calls a special session of the Legislature to appropriate money for the elections, change the municipal election dates and address other election-related matters. The special session will be held on Wednesday, June 14, at 4 p.m.
“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,” Cox said in the news release from his office. “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.”
Added Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson: “This special election timeline lays out a sensible approach for candidates, parties, voters, and election administrators. We’ve balanced urgency with election security and accuracy.”
According to The Associated Press, state officials said last week that, absent legislative intervention, state law required at least 90 days until a special election could be held. That’s likely to be revised when lawmakers convene for a special legislative session next Wednesday to allocate funding for the election.
The expedited timeline will also affect local races, which will be moved to coincide with the race to represent Utah’s 2nd Congressional District, which spans from St. George to downtown Salt Lake City, the AP reported.
“Adjusting the election timeline will ensure Utahns have their voices fully represented in our nation’s capital,” Speaker Brad Wilson said in the news release. “We cannot afford to go without a quarter of our representation for a prolonged period of time. The proposed schedule will allow for a seamless transition and only a brief period of time without representation. I have the utmost respect and admiration for Congressman Stewart and wish him and his family good health and happiness.”
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