Utah GOP Rep. Stewart planning to resign: report

Utah Republican Rep. Chris Stewart is reportedly preparing to resign from the lower chamber in relation to his wife's health complications.

His resignation announcement could come as soon as Wednesday morning, according to The Salt Lake Tribune, which cited "multiple sources."

Stewart has served in Congress since first winning election in 2012 and represents the state's 2nd congressional district, which encompasses the state's western border and about half of its southern frontier. The district is solidly Republican.

Stewart's replacement would be decided via special election.

The timeline of his departure could complicate matters for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who is facing intense scrutiny from conservative Republicans over his negotiation of a debt ceiling compromise with President Joe Biden. An increasingly narrow Republican margin of control could make it for difficult for McCarthy to keep his post in the event of a leadership challenge.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.