- Rep. Jefferson Burton won't seek reelection due to moving out of his district.
- Burton has served in the Utah House since 2021 and chairs the House Government Operations Committee.
- Two Republicans, Matthew Durrant and Jackie Larson, will challenge for his seat.
SALT LAKE CITY — A prominent Republican state lawmaker is ending his reelection campaign because he is moving out of his district.
Rep. Jefferson Burton announced the decision in a post on social media, calling his legislative service "one of the greatest honors of my life." Although he had previously filed to seek another term, state lawmakers are required to live within the boundaries of the district they represent, unlike federal representatives.
"My family and I will be moving outside of my district, and because of that, I will be withdrawing from reelection to the Utah House of Representatives," wrote Burton, R-Salem.
Prior to joining the Utah House in 2021, Burton served for 37 years in the U.S. Army and National Guard. He retired as adjutant general of the Utah National Guard in 2019.
"Through all of it, my mission has been the same: serve with integrity and never forget that every decision affects real people and real families," he added. "I carry that same commitment with me as I close this chapter. I leave proud of the work we did together. Thank you for your trust. It has been a true privilege."
The exact timing of Burton's move is unclear. The Utah Constitution states that lawmakers "may not continue to serve in that office after ceasing to be a resident of the district from which elected." Burton's announcement only states that he won't seek another term, so it won't require a special election to replace him.
The filing deadline for legislative candidates passed in January and Burton had two Republicans sign up to challenge him: Matthew Durrant and Jackie Larson. His replacement will take office early next year.
At the Capitol, Burton is the chairman of the House Government Operations Committee and serves on the powerful House Rules Committee. In recent years, he has sponsored legislation to revamp the state's vote-by-mail system and passed a bill this year directing the state to study possible changes.
Burton joins several other incumbent lawmakers who are not running for reelection.
Those include Rep. Cheryl Acton, R-West Jordan; Rep. Stewart Barlow, R-Fruit Heights; Majority Assistant Whip Bridger Bolinder, R-Grantsville; Rep. Tyler Clancy, R-Provo; Rep. Matthew Gwynn, R-Farr West; Rep. Sandra Hollins, D-Salt Lake City; Rep. Mike Kohler, R-Midway; Rep. Karianne Lisonbee, R-Syracuse; Rep. Carol Spackman Moss, D-Holladay; Rep. Karen Peterson, R-Clinton; and Rep. Christine Watkins, R-Price.
