Powerful House Oversight Chairman Jason Chaffetz Will Not Seek Re-Election

‘It Is Time’ Says Utah Republican

In a surprising and stunning move, the powerful Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Jason Chaffetz, has just announced he will not run for re-election. Chaffetz, 50, is a five-term Republican congressman who represents a district in Utah.

“I have long advocated public service should be for a limited time and not a lifetime or full career,” Chaffetz said in a statement, as The New York Times reports. “After more than 1,500 nights away from my home, it is time.” 

Chaffetz has been viewed by Democrats as especially partisan. He promised, even after the FBI cleared Hillary Clinton on her email usage and even after she lost the election to continue to conduct investigations against her.

But Chaffetz has balked at the slightest suggestion his committee should investigate President Trump, despite the obvious opportunities to do so. 

Utah Democrat Kathryn Allen has outpaced Chaffetz in fundraising.

Last month Chaffetz made headlines for days when he suggested some lower-income Americans should forgo buying new iPhones as a way to pay for healthcare.

Some responses to the news via Twitter:

UPDATE I: 11:39 AM EDT –

 

To comment on this article and other NCRM content, visit our Facebook page.

This is a breaking news and developing story. Details may change. This story will be updated, and NCRM will likely publish follow-up stories on this news. Stay tuned and refresh for updates. 

Image by Don LaVange via Flickr and a CC license