Utah GOP narrows field for Chaffetz seat

Utah Republicans on Saturday narrowed down a packed field of GOP hopefuls looking to replace Rep. Jason Chaffetz when he resigns at the end of June.

A group of about 800 state Republican delegates voted Saturday afternoon to advance former Utah lawmaker Chris Herrod to a primary election in August, where he will face off against Provo Mayor John Curtis and Tanner Ainge, son of Boston Celtics’ manager Danny Ainge, who both secured enough voter signatures to reach the primary.

Herrod beat a crowded field of 11 other candidates to advance to the primary. 

He ran unsuccessfully against Utah GOP Sen. Orrin Hatch in 2012 and also worked for Texas Sen. Ted Cruz’ presidential campaign. Herrod also served in Utah’s state legislature for five years, beginning in 2007.

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Chaffetz, head of the House Oversight Committee, announced in May that he would resign at the end of June. 

“After careful consideration and long discussions with my wife, Julie, we agree the time has come for us to move on from this part of our life,” he said in a statement.