Former professional football star Burgess Owens announced Wednesday that he will step away from Congress rather than seek another term, following a redistricting battle in Utah that has created a political scramble among Republican lawmakers.
The 74-year-old congressman’s decision comes after a court-ordered redistricting map has forced Utah’s four sitting Republican House members to compete for just three available seats in the upcoming election. A state judge’s new congressional boundaries have created favorable conditions for Democrats to potentially capture one of Utah’s four House districts.
Owens and fellow Republican officials challenged the redistricting plan in court, but both state and federal judges dismissed their legal efforts, ruling it was too late to modify the district lines for the 2026 elections.
“I will finish this term fully committed and fully accountable,” Owens stated. “My final political sprint will be here in Utah and across the country, helping my colleagues expand our Republican majority.”
The congressman’s withdrawal from the race eliminates a potential primary battle for Representatives Blake Moore, Celeste Maloy, and Mike Kennedy, who can now pursue the three Republican-favorable districts without facing another sitting incumbent.
In the newly created Salt Lake County district, Democrats are fielding multiple candidates, including former Representative Ben McAdams, whom Owens narrowly beat in his initial 2020 congressional victory. The Democratic field includes several progressive candidates positioned to McAdams’ political left.
Before entering politics, Owens had a distinguished NFL career as a safety, playing for the New York Jets and earning a Super Bowl championship with the Raiders in 1980. Currently serving his third congressional term, he has been a vocal supporter of Donald Trump, describing the former president as “an advocate for Black Americans.”
Owens’ retirement announcement marks a significant milestone: all four Black Republican members of the House have now declared their intention to leave Congress. Representatives Byron Donalds of Florida, John James of Michigan, and Wesley Hunt of Texas are all pursuing different political offices rather than seeking reelection.
The departing congressman indicated he plans to continue advocating for children, families, and opportunity from outside elected office.
These four representatives are part of a larger exodus from the House, with 53 current members—21 Democrats and 32 Republicans—announcing their retirement plans following this year’s elections.
The timing raises questions about Black Republican representation in the next Congress, as primaries are just beginning in early states. The House Republican conference last lacked any Black members between 2013 and 2015.
Among the departing Black Republicans, Donalds was first to announce his plans in February 2025, declaring his candidacy for Florida governor to replace term-limited Ron DeSantis. James followed in April with his bid for Michigan’s open gubernatorial race, while Hunt officially challenged Texas Senator John Cornyn in October. Hunt’s campaign ended Tuesday with a primary loss, leaving Cornyn to face Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a May runoff.
