SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Gov. Gary Herbert says Utah will hold a special election if U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz resigns, something the congressman says he’s considering.
Chaffetz, who announced this week he won’t seek re-election, said in a text message Thursday that he hasn’t finalized his future plans and hasn’t ruled out the possibility of leaving office early.
Utah law says the governor will call a special election to fill a U.S. House vacancy, but it doesn’t spell out how quickly or offer more details.
Herbert said at a KUED news conference Thursday that he expects the election to include political party nominating conventions, a possible primary election and general election.
State elections director Mark Thomas says the details and timing would be determined if Chaffetz resigns.
Utah’s last special election to fill a vacant U.S. House seat was in 1930.
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