Rep. Jason Chaffetz Will Not Run for Reelection
“I may run again for public office, but not in 2018.”
Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) has announced he will not run for reelection. He currently serves as chairman for the House Oversight Committee. He wrote on Facebook:
After long consultation with my family and prayerful consideration, I have decided I will not be a candidate for any office in 2018.
Since late 2003 I have been fully engaged with politics as a campaign manager, a chief of staff, a candidate and as a Member of Congress. I have long advocated public service should be for a limited time and not a lifetime or full career. Many of you have heard me advocate, “Get in, serve, and get out.” After more than 1,500 nights away from my home, it is time. I may run again for public office, but not in 2018.
For those that would speculate otherwise, let me be clear that I have no ulterior motives. I am healthy. I am confident I would continue to be re-elected by large margins. I have the full support of Speaker Ryan to continue as Chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee. That said, I have made a personal decision to return to the private sector.
Here is his full statement:
Rumors floated that Chaffetz may become a candidate in 2018 for Sen. Orrin Hatch’s seat.
However, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert’s seat expires in 2020. But it remains unknown if he will seek the governor position.
Chaffetz has become one of the most vocal representatives in Congress who has worked hard to find answers on former Attorney General Eric Holder’s blood soaked Operation Fast and Furious, which led to the death of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry. He recently held a hearing to find more answers regarding the death of ICE Agent Jaime Zapata, who was killed by Zeta drug cartel members who used guns from straw purchasers connected to another operation.
Chaffetz also worked hard as chairman of the Oversight Committee to investigate failed Democrat presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s private email server when she served as secretary of state. He was one of several congressmen who investigated the Benghazi terror attack that led to the death of four Americans, including Ambassador Chris Stevens.
DONATE
Donations tax deductible
to the full extent allowed by law.
Comments
Sad. He was one of the best.
I don’t see it that way. He’s not even as conservative as the people he “represents”, and they were just “thrilled” when he held hands with Cecile Richards and waltzed her through the PP/CMP hearings. Did ya’ forget that one? He has a rating of 76% @ CR, he is very expendable. Hopefully a real conservative will enter the race for his seat.
He was ready to stab Trump in the back recently. Good that he’s feeling the heat or whatever, and getting out.
He’s right; ten years in one seat is enough. Come Jan 2019 he should take some time off for himself and his family, and then look for a new challenge.
While the idea of term limits cuts both ways, I’ve always felt it would be a net positive, consistent with our ideals of citizen self-government. Refreshing to see a politician willing to walk away voluntarily, not as a result of scandal but for ‘good’ reasons.
Tillie Fowler is the first in my memory to self impose term limits. She was my rep. Her office was a few blocks from my home.
When is Orrin Hatch going to retire? Chaffetz should run for his seat.
Supposedly Mitt Romney is putting dibs on that Senate seat, to keep it away from Egg McMuffin.
but Chavetz is gonna have a real good shot at Governor in 2020, and that’s a big step up from Congressman.
Last I heard, Mr. “Two-terms-is-enough-for-one-senator-42-years-ago” Hatch is running again. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865677545/Sen-Orrin-Hatch-plans-to-run-for-8th-term—-unless.html
I do my best to remove him every 6 years, but he OWNS the political establishment in this state.
whoops, I mean 3 terms – he said his predecessor had been too long in the senate after 3 terms. And he was elected on that premise.
Liar. Coward. Hypocrite. RINO. wannabe-king.
Chaffetz, while not nearly as despicable as Hatch, is no true conservative. Sounds like you don’t know a lot about Chaffetz, honestly.
The good ones leave too early and the bad ones stay around until they’re in their 80s…