Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT) has announced that he will not seek re-election in 2026, bringing an end to his six-year run in Congress.
Owens, a former NFL safety who rode a conservative wave into office in 2020, said he will complete the remainder of his current term before stepping away from elected office.
“After prayer, reflection, and many long conversations, I have decided that I will not seek reelection in 2026,” Owens said.
“I will complete this term fully committed to my work in Washington, D.C., and then step away from elected office.”
He added that he plans to spend the rest of his time in office helping Republicans protect their narrow majority in the House of Representatives.
Redistricting Shake-Up in Utah
Owens’ announcement comes as Utah’s congressional map is undergoing major changes following a court-ordered redistricting overhaul.
A state judge approved the new map last year, reducing the number of districts where Republicans can realistically compete and forcing Utah’s four Republican House members to compete for three seats in the 2026 election cycle.
Owens and other Republican lawmakers challenged the new map in court, but both state and federal courts rejected the lawsuit, ruling it was too late to change the district boundaries before the upcoming election.
Flipped a Competitive Seat in 2020
Owens first won his Salt Lake County–based district in 2020, defeating Rep. Ben McAdams (D-UT) in one of the most competitive congressional races in the state.
He successfully defended the seat in 2022 and is currently serving his third term.
NFL Career Before Politics
Before entering politics, Owens built a career in professional football.
He played safety for the New York Jets and later won a Super Bowl with the Oakland Raiders in 1980.
Strong Supporter of President Trump
Since arriving in Washington, Owens has been a strong supporter of President Donald Trump, whom he has praised for championing policies he says benefit working Americans.
Owens previously described President Trump as “an advocate for black Americans.”
In announcing his decision, Owens highlighted his alignment with Trump’s broader agenda.
“I came to Congress with a simple ask from my constituents: to represent Utah’s nation-leading culture of faith, family, the free market, and education,” Owens wrote.
“I have been proud to fight alongside President Donald J. Trump, whose leadership exposed the insidious spread of Marxism in our country and who has demonstrated that only a proud, focused, and unapologetic America can defeat it,” he said.
“His commitment to working families and his willingness to confront corruption head-on reaffirm that courage still matters in public life.”
Focus on Education and Anti-Trafficking Efforts
Owens said his decision to enter politics originally grew out of his concern for vulnerable children and education policy.
“I began this political journey over six years ago with a simple question: Can I do more to advocate for our at-risk children?” he said.
During his time in Congress, Owens pushed school choice policies and said he introduced and sponsored “landmark school choice legislation,” portions of which were later included in the Working Families Tax Cut Act reconciliation package.
He also highlighted his work addressing child trafficking, including the Preventing Child Trafficking Act, which he said aims to improve coordination among federal agencies combating trafficking.
Owens said the legislation is currently moving through Congress with bipartisan support.
Next Chapter Outside Elected Office
Owens said that after reflection, he believes his work advocating conservative policies may continue more effectively outside of elected office.
“After careful reflection, I have concluded that to continue this work, the next chapter… would be best pursued outside elected office,” Owens wrote.
He added that his immediate focus will remain on finishing his term and helping Republicans maintain and expand their majority in the House before leaving Congress at the end of the term.
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