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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah House Speaker Greg Hughes will not seek re-election as speaker nor will he run for his House seat this year.
The Draper Republican told colleagues Wednesday how much he appreciates serving and how much he respects House members, but at the end of the year it is time to move on and let others advance in leadership, according to a statement from his spokesman, Greg Hartley.
House Republicans are meeting in an all-day caucus to plan for the legislative session that starts Jan. 22.
"He also expects his last session to be his best, and he will work harder than he ever has to do big things. If people think they can treat him like a lame duck, they'll get a wounded wolf," according to the statement.
"While it is a difficult decision, typically speakers only serve two terms. He wants to end strong, take a break and evaluate what, if anything, the future holds."
The news surprised Senate President Wayne Niederhauser, R-Sandy, who has worked closely with Hughes in their leadership roles the past few years.
"I just heard about it. It comes with a bit of a shock," he said.
Hughes has served as speaker since January 2015. He was elected to the House in November 2002. He is said to be interested in running for what will be an open governor's seat in 2020.
During the past year, Hughes has been a driving force behind Operation Rio Grande, a joint state and local government effort to reduce crime in downtown Salt Lake City areas frequented by homeless people, and to provide better services combat homelessness.
Contributing: Lisa Riley Roche
