SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox signed HB 2001, Election Amendments, today.
This bill, which passed in a special session of the Utah state legislature on June 14, 2023, enacts provisions related to a special election in the 2nd Congressional District. The special election will include municipal elections that will be held later this year.
“This new schedule makes sure Utahns will be represented in Congress with minimal disruption to our election system,” said Gov. Cox. “We thank our municipalities and county clerks for adjusting to these changes and we encourage all eligible Utahns to register to vote and participate in our elections this year.”
Under the new schedule, primary elections will now be held on Sept. 5, 2023, and the general election on Nov. 21, 2023.
“We care deeply about Utahns in the 2nd Congressional District, and they deserve a voice in Congress,” said Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, Utah’s chief election officer. “This timeline is our best option, balancing urgency with election security and accuracy. I’m confident in both our process and people.”
As previously reported in St. George News, 22 candidates have filed to run for Utah’s 2nd Congressional seat. In all, this includes 13 Republicans, three Democrats, two Utah United Party affiliates, two unaffiliated candidates, and one candidate each from the Libertarian and Constitution parties.
The special election is needed due to the current congressman resigning. In May, Rep. Chris Stewart announced he would be leaving office to spend more time with his wife.
“It has been one of the great honors of my life to serve the good people of Utah in Congress,” Stewart stated in an email on May 31. “My wife and I have made so many dear friends and memories throughout our journey.”
The Utah Republican Party is holding a special caucus convention meeting on June 24 to select the party’s preferred candidate. The event is being held at Delta High School in Delta.
Prior to the convention, two debates will be held by the Utah Republican Party. The first will take place on June 20 at 6 p.m. at Woods Cross High School in Woods Cross. The second will be held June 22 at 6 p.m. at Dixie Technical College in St. George. Both events will be live streamed.
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.