Chris Stewart, Republican of Utah, values his family time. He was one of 10 kids, got married to Evie, and the couple ended up having six kids together. He’s quitting Congress to devote more time to his family.
Stewart announced his resignation from Congress on May 31 due to his wife’s ongoing health issues. Being a member of Congress, he remarked, is “one of the great honors of” his life. He also said he’s confident that he was “an effective leader” during his time in office and “played an important role in guiding our nation through some troubled times.”
Without specifying her condition, Stewart said his family had been “blessed” by his time in public service. After thanking his supporters, he declared, “The fight goes on.”
Residents in Stewart’s area voiced their surprise at his impending retirement even before he made his announcement. Others, though, were relieved to know that new leadership was on the horizon. The representative has spent the last decade in office.
Stewart is a member of the House Intelligence Committee, the House Appropriations Committee, and the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government of the House of Representatives. The Air Force pilot had previously worked as an author and company owner before joining the federal government.
Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), the current Speaker of the House, claims he knew of the congressman’s choice in a conversation with him on May 30. Stewart and his family, he added, had sacrificed a lot for him to serve in Congress, but “at this moment right now his spouse needs him,” and that’s why he’s leaving Capitol Hill.
The representative did not provide a timetable for his resignation. The Republican governor, Spencer Cox, has seven days from the time of the decision to declare a special election. The primary and general elections will coincide with those held by local governments.
