Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Lynn Hemingway beat out three others in a special election Wednesday to take the seat of resigned state Rep. Justin Miller.
Hemingway will fill the rest of Miller's two-year term in House District 40, which ends in January 2017. He beat out public defender Amy Fowler, accountant and Salt Lake County Progressive Caucus Chairman Chris Stout, and former campaign worker and political newcomer Michael Shea.
Rep. Lynn Hemingway has been selected for HD40. Welcome back Representative! #utleg#utpol
— Utah House Democrats (@utahhousedems) November 12, 2015
For eight years, Hemingway represented District 40, which covers part of Millcreek and Sugar House, but vacated his seat in 2014 to move to St. George. His plans to move eventually changed, and he decided to challenge for his old seat.
Democratic District 40 delegates elected Hemingway, whose new position is subject to Gov. Gary Herbert's approval. The proceedings took place in the Salt Lake County Council chambers.
Salt Lake County Democratic Party Chairwoman Clare Collard congratulated Hemingway and praised his opponents in a statement Wednesday.
"I'd like to thank the other candidates, who, with only a short time to campaign, showed incredible passion for their community and a great desire to serve," Collard said. "They represented the Democratic Party well, and we are proud of them. I also want to thank the elected delegates in the district for taking the task of choosing a replacement seriously. … We look forward to working with (Hemingway) and the rest of the Democratic delegation on the issues that affect the every day lives of Utahns."
House Minority Leader Brian King, D-Salt Lake City, also issued a statement welcoming Hemingway back.
Related:
Rep. Justin Miller turns himself into jail in communications fraud case
The state House of Representatives lawmaker who pleaded guilty last week to communications fraud turned himself into jail Thursday."He has been a stalwart member of the caucus who strongly represents House District 40 with every issue he takes on," King said. "Lynn will be a great representative, and the caucus is glad to have him back."
King said it's likely Hemingway will be sworn in next week.
Miller announced his resignation from his elected position in October on the same day he pleaded guilty to second-degree felony communications fraud for taking about $25,000 from Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams during his time as McAdams' campaign manager. Miller's resignation became official Wednesday.
Miller is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 18 in 3rd District Court.
