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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah political leaders expressed concern Wednesday as former House Speaker Rebecca Lockhart remained "critically ill" with an unspecified medical condition.
House Speaker Greg Hughes, R-Draper, said in a statement that he had visited Lockhart and her family at a hospital Wednesday morning.
“I’m shocked and saddened for my good friend Becky Lockhart and her wonderful family. Anyone who knows her knows Becky’s a fighter. Her spirit and tenacity shown over and over again on Capitol Hill will serve her well at this time. We respectfully request that the public and members of the media honor the family’s request for privacy. Our thoughts and prayers (are) with them during this difficult time,” Hughes said.
Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, who is speaking on behalf of the Lockhart family, said the family contacted members of the Utah Legislature by email Tuesday evening to explain why “Becky has not been participating in any of the things leading up to the session that an immediate past speaker would be doing, like being recognized at a committee meeting for her service, things like that.”
The statement was not intended to be shared with the general public but was apparently leaked to reporters, he said.
“What the family is asking is that the media respect the family’s privacy. It’s a very difficult time. She is critically ill, and it is, very, very challenging,” Bramble said.
“We know there are a lot of people who are concerned, who care about her and who are interested, but right now is not the time,” he said.
Lockhart, 46, was the first female speaker of the Utah House. She left office just days ago after deciding last year to retire from the Legislature in December.
Lockhart, R-Provo, served 16 years in the House, the last four as speaker.
We want to respect the privacy of Becky and her family, and at the same time we want to support her, her family and loved ones. We want more than anything for her pull through this difficult circumstance.
–Brian King, Incoming House Minority Leader
Following her announcement that she would not seek re-election, Lockhart sought the state superintendent of public schools position. Brad Smith, superintendent of the Ogden School District, was selected for the job.
Lockhart was often mentioned as a possible challenger to Gov. Gary Herbert in 2016.
Marty Carpenter, Herbert's communication director, said the governor was saddened to hear of Lockhart’s health struggles. The Lockhart family was in the governor’s thoughts and prayers, he said. Herbert has been in Washington, D.C., on government business this week.
Incoming House Minority Leader Brian King said the email sent to House members came as a shock.
The House Democratic Caucus views Lockhart with “great affection and admiration,” he said.
“We want to respect the privacy of Becky and her family, and at the same time we want to support her, her family and loved ones. We want more than anything for her pull through this difficult circumstance,” King said.
Provo Mayor John Curtis said he was surprised by news of Lockhart’s critical illness.
“While I am as surprised as everyone, my shock is quickly moved to concern and love to Becky and her amazing family. We appreciate her. We respect her. We pray for her,” Curtis said in a statement.
James Evans, chairman of the Utah Republican Party, also expressed concern and well wishes.
"On behalf of the Utah Republican Party, we include the Lockhart family in our thoughts and prayers. We hope for Speaker Lockhart's full recovery and are sending well wishes her way," Evans said.
Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, added: "I hope that everyone will keep Becky and her family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
