Utah Congressman Burgess Owens announced on Wednesday that he will not seek re-election in 2026, bringing an end to his tenure in Congress after three terms.
Owens, a former NFL Super Bowl champion, first burst onto the political scene in 2020 when he narrowly defeated Democrat Ben McAdams, flipping Utah’s 4th Congressional District for Republicans.
In a statement posted to X, Owens said he reached the decision after “prayer, reflection, and many long conversations.”
“My fellow Utahns,
I wanted you to hear this directly from me.
After prayer, reflection, and many long conversations, I have decided that I will not seek reelection in 2026. I will complete this term fully committed to my work in Washington, DC, and then step away from elected office.
I began this political journey over six years ago with a simple question: Can I do more to advocate for our at-risk children?
That question led me into public service, with a focused passion on education where the cancer of hopelessness and training for “social advocacy” has taken hold in too many of our public schools. It was therefore an honor to introduce and sponsor landmark school choice legislation.
Core provisions of these efforts were enacted through the Working Families Tax Cut Act reconciliation package. I believe history will record this legislation as the most consequential education reform in modern times.
Added to this is my determination to end the evil of child labor and sex trafficking that is destroying our children’s innocence.
To that end, I am presently shepherding bipartisan, bicameral legislation through the House—the Preventing Child Trafficking Act. It would provide our children additional protection through better interagency coordination.
Recently, I asked myself the same question that began this journey: Can I do more? After careful reflection, I have concluded that to continue this work, the next chapter of my mission would be best pursued outside elected office.
I came to Congress with a simple ask from my constituents: to represent Utah’s nation-leading culture of faith, family, the free market, and education.
I have been proud to fight alongside President Donald J. Trump, whose leadership exposed the insidious spread of Marxism in our country and who has demonstrated that only a proud, focused, and unapologetic America can defeat it.
His commitment to working families and his willingness to confront corruption head-on reaffirm that courage still matters in public life.
It has been an honor to witness our House leadership unite our body with the Senate and President to deliver some of the most consequential legislation of our time.
History will record that the 2024 trifecta gave our nation a second chance to continue our 250-year journey toward our Founders’ vision of a more perfect Union.
With the collaboration and leadership of my colleagues, I have been able to advocate on behalf of our veterans and law enforcement officers; secure critical Utah infrastructure priorities; support our innovative, nation-leading Inland Port; and help prepare to showcase Utah to the world during the 2034 Winter Olympics.
My thanks, from the bottom of my heart, go to my campaign staff and the remarkable volunteers who believed in this mission from the very beginning—those who knocked doors, carried the message, sacrificed their time, and helped flip a district many said was unwinnable.
To my congressional staff, both in Utah and in Washington, DC: you have earned a reputation for caring, service, and hustle.
You represented our Fourth District constituents in moments of crisis and helped navigate complex policies with professionalism and moral clarity.
This team was built deliberately, united by a shared commitment to serve. From someone who knows the power of team, this has been the absolute best. I am deeply grateful.
To my family, thank you for carrying the unseen weight of public service. Your patience, prayers, and quiet strength made this journey possible.
And last, but not least, to my fellow Utahns—both within and beyond my district.
There is a saying that informs our very unique culture, “Love follows service.” Nothing has been more evident of this truth during my six years in Congress.
The friendships formed and the respect earned along this journey will stay with me always.
Utah has reminded me every day that faith, family, and freedom are not abstract ideals—they are lived values. Thank you, my friends.
I will finish this term fully committed and fully accountable. My final political sprint will be here in Utah and across the country, helping my colleagues expand our Republican majority.
Though this chapter closes, my commitment to advancing opportunity, advocating for our children, and strengthening families will continue in new ways.
Thank you, Utah, for trusting me with the responsibility to stand in the arena on your behalf. Other than the love for my Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ and my family, this has been the greatest blessing and honor of my life.
May Heavenly Father bless you, your families, the great state of Utah, and the United States of America.”
Owens’ retirement comes after a court-ordered redistricting overhaul that reduced Utah’s safe Republican House seats from four to three, forcing GOP incumbents to compete for fewer districts.
The new map also created a Salt Lake County-based district that Democrats believe they can flip, opening the door for a highly competitive race.
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