Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT) will not seek another term in the House of Representatives, joining more than 30 other House Republicans opting to seek another office or retire from politics altogether.
“After prayer, reflection, and many long conversations, I have decided that I will not seek reelection in 2026,” Owens said in a statement on Wednesday. “I will complete this term fully committed to my work in Washington, DC, and then step away from elected office.”
“My final political sprint will be here in Utah and across the country, helping my colleagues expand our Republican majority,” he said. “Though this chapter closes, my commitment to advancing opportunity, advocating for our children, and strengthening families will continue in new ways.”
Owens has served Utah’s 4th District since 2021 after narrowly ousting incumbent Democrat Ben McAdams. Prior to his tenure in Congress, Owens was a professional athlete in the NFL, playing for the Oakland Raiders from 1980 to 1982 and winning Super Bowl XV with his team.
He is one of four black Republicans serving in the House of Representatives, with all four either opting to retire or seeking another office. Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX) lost his bid for the Senate GOP nomination in Texas, and Reps. John James (R-MI) and Byron Donalds (R-FL) are running for governor of their respective states.
HERE’S WHERE HOUSE AND SENATE RETIREMENTS STAND IN 2026
A redistricting push in Utah, finalized by a judge last week, created a heavily Democratic district and three Republican districts. Owens’ retirement will help avoid an incumbent vs. incumbent GOP primary, allowing Reps. Celeste Maloy (R-UT) and Mike Kennedy (R-UT) to each compete in one of the remaining two districts. Maloy and Kennedy have not announced which district they will run in yet, per the Deseret News.
Owens’ retirement announcement comes two days after Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) announced he will leave the House after this term as well. Owens is the 52nd member of the House of either party to announce they will finish out their full terms but not seek reelection to the chamber in 2026.
