Utah Republican Abruptly Resigns Weeks After Winning Election
Republican lawmaker wrote on social media that she was resigning because her family, particularly her parents, need more of her time."It is with a heavy heart that I announce my decision to resign from the Utah House of Representatives, effective January 10th, 2025.
My family and professional commitments have increasingly required my attention away from home, a trend I anticipate will persist for the next year or two," Birkeland wrote in a resignation letter to House Speaker Mike Schultz that she shared on X on Thursday.My priorities are:My FaithMy FamilyMy constituentsRight now my family, particularly my parents, need more of my time.#utleg pic.twitter.com/0LJXCxhEgI"This choice was not made lightly; it has weighed heavily on my mind for some time, partly because I feel that my work here is far from complete.
Nevertheless, the present circumstances demand that I focus on other significant responsibilities."According to KSL-TV, Birkeland wrote in an email to colleagues that her mother's illness "has required significant time and attention, and I feel it's necessary to focus on my family during this challenging period."Birkeland's resignation comes just weeks after she won re-election in November.
She said her resignation will be effective January 10, 2025—just 11 days before the start of the 2025 legislative session.Birkeland was first appointed to the Utah Legislature in April 2020.
