Redistricting shake-up prompts GOP retirement…
Rep. Burgess Owens (R-Utah) announced Wednesday evening that he will not seek reelection in 2026, ending a three-term tenure in the U.S. House and opening another seat long held by Republicans.
Owens, 74, said he will finish his current term but plans to step away from elected office once it concludes. In a statement, he said he remains “fully committed” to fulfilling his duties in Washington before moving on to his next chapter.
Redistricting Played a Major Role
His decision follows a redrawing of Utah’s congressional map that reduced the number of reliably Republican seats from four to three and created a new district centered in Salt Lake City that Kamala Harris carried by 22 points in the 2024 presidential election.
The change meant Utah’s four Republican House members — Owens, Blake Moore, Celeste Maloy, and Mike Kennedy — would have had to compete for just three solidly Republican districts, each rated between R+38 and R+47 on the baseline scale, in the June 23 primary. Owens’ exit removes the possibility of that intraparty clash.
Political Background
Owens, a former NFL safety who won a Super Bowl with the Oakland Raiders, first entered Congress in 2021 after narrowly defeating Democrat Ben McAdams in one of the country’s closest House races in 2020.
He became known as a strong supporter of Donald Trump and often emphasized issues related to education, economic opportunity, and family policy during his time in office.
Broader Political Impact
Owens’ retirement is part of a broader wave of departures ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with more than 50 House members already announcing they will leave Congress.
His departure also carries symbolic significance: with Owens stepping down and other Black Republican House members pursuing different offices, the GOP conference could potentially lose all Black Republican representatives in the next Congress, depending on election outcomes.
What Happens Next
The open seat could attract a crowded field of candidates from both parties. Several Democrats — including former Rep. Ben McAdams and other Utah political figures — are already eyeing the newly drawn district as a potential pickup opportunity.
Owens, meanwhile, says he plans to spend his remaining time in office helping Republicans expand their majority and supporting conservative causes outside of Congress once his term concludes.
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