NORTH SALT LAKE–Former Utah State House Representative and long-time Davis County resident Becky Edwards has thrown her hat into the ring in a bid to fill the Congressional District 2 seat left open when Congressman Chris Stewart announced his resignation last month due to his wife’s health. Stewart was reelected in 2022.

“The challenges that face America remain,” said Edwards. “I am committed to Utah to jump into this. I have experience and a proven track record that reflects Utah principles and values. I will step in on day one and represent Utah in Congress.”

Edwards grew up in Provo and has lived in Davis County for 30 years. She served in the legislature for 10 years. Last year she ran for the Senate against Mike Lee but lost.

“I spent the last year in the Senate race going to people’s ranches, homes, farms, just talking to get a good understanding of the kind of challenges they have,” Edwards said. “They’re concerned with costs, the economy, inflation and providing for their families and providing a bright future for their children.”

Congress is spending out of control, she said. “They’re not accountable to the country. There’s government overreach in people’s lives. We all know there should be local decisions over self-reliance, our pocketbooks, lands and stewardship over resources such as water and air. Freedoms people feel are being encroached upon. I’m committed to building a strong relationship with state government officials to work together.”

Edwards said she intends on getting the fiscal house in order. “Congress has to make the hard decisions to balance the budget. I did that in the House. We made hard decisions and had hard conversations. We need someone who’s done that.”

Chris (Stewart) gave remarkable service, said Edwards. “He held positions on key committees. In committee work you have to build a relationship of trust and do the work in a vigorous way. I’m ready to step in with experience for the people.”

Edwards said she’d be thrilled to be on any committee. “The Appropriation or Natural Resources committees are of great interest to me. In the House I worked on economic development and workforce for six years.”

In addition to the caucus system Edwards is getting signatures also for a place on the ballot. She recently submitted 7,000 signatures for verification establishing her as the first candidate to reach this milestone.

“I was elected five times in the caucus (for the House),” said Edwards. “It’s a privilege for me to meet the delegates who elected me to represent them and find out what their issues and priorities are.”

When she was in the legislature, Edwards opened her home every Saturday for her constituents to come and voice their concerns. “It’s important to listen to people,” she said. “To hear their stories and take the opportunity to work on those. I will continue to build a working relationship with folks across the district.”

Edwards has strong ties to Davis County. “I’ve been living in the district for 30 years,” she said. “I raised my four children here. My husband built his medical practice here. I love this community. We need someone who lives in the boundaries (of the district). We have homegrown talent here. We don’t need an outsider to come in.”

Edwards said she is committed to a prosperous America. “I truly believe good, bright things are ahead for this country.”