GOP Lawmaker Announces Sudden Resignation Months After Reelection

Utah Republican state lawmaker Rep. Kera Birkeland announced her unexpected resignation on Thursday, less than two months after securing her re-election bid.

Birkeland was initially appointed to the Utah House of Representatives in April 2020 and later elected to a full term that same year. On November 5, she defeated Democratic challenger Kris Campbell with 60% of the vote. However, Birkeland stated that her constituents deserved more than she felt able to provide at this time.

“The residents of District 4 have granted me a profound opportunity; in several elections, they entrusted a young mother like me to be their voice. Their steadfast support, along with their commitment to hold me accountable, has been a profound source of motivation for me. My deep affection for each member of this District drives me to recognize that they merit a representative who can provide them with even more than I am currently capable of offering,” said Birkeland.

In an emotional statement, she added: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce my decision to resign from the Utah House of Representatives, effective January 10th, 2025.”

Birkeland cited growing family and professional obligations that increasingly demand her attention. She indicated that this trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.

“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,” she said.

Birkeland has drawn attention for her support of several controversial legislative measures. Three years ago, she introduced a bill to ban transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports, followed by a stricter proposal last year. This year, she successfully sponsored a transgender bathroom ban. She also prioritized affordable housing and development initiatives during her campaigns.

Meanwhile, Colorado recently saw two razor-thin victories for Republican candidates in state House races, following mandatory recounts ordered by the secretary of state.

In House District 16, covering part of El Paso County, Republican Rebecca Keltie narrowly defeated Democratic incumbent Rep. Stephanie Vigil by just three votes, receiving 20,641 votes to Vigil’s 20,638. The recount added three votes to Vigil’s total, according to The Center Square.

Secretary of State Jena Griswold initiated the recount on November 25 under state law, which requires recounts when the vote difference is less than 0.5% of the winner's total votes.

“The mandatory recount for HD-16 brought this race to a tie,” Vigil said. “It was only in the process of the canvass board’s review that three Vigil votes were reversed, which therefore tilted the election in Ms. Keltie’s favor by three votes. It’s my understanding that the canvass board’s report will be certified by the Secretary of State, which will make Ms. Keltie representative-elect for HD-16.”

Vigil has not ruled out the possibility of legally challenging the recount outcome.

“There are legal remedies available to me to investigate possible variables that would return the results to what the recount process initially determined, but I will need to consult with legal experts before making a decision of that magnitude,” she said.

In House District 19, which includes parts of Weld and Boulder counties, Republican Dan Woog, a former representative for House District 63, increased his total by one vote during the recount, bringing his final tally to 28,420 votes. Democrat Jillaire McMillan remained at 28,310 votes.

Griswold ordered the recount for this race on November 27, The Center Square reported.