Jason Chaffetz will not seek re-election

By Neil Stevens | 1:15 PM on April 19, 2017

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Jason Chaffetz, the GOP challenger for Utah's 3rd District, waves to passing drivers Tuesday, June 24, 2008, in South Jordan, Utah. Chaffetz is challenging incumbent Rep. Chris Cannon in the state's primary election. (AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac)

Utah’s Jason Chaffetz, a vocal lightning rod of House Republican investigations, has announced he will not seek re-election in 2018.

He says it’s personal:

“I have long advocated public service should be for a limited time and not a lifetime or full career,” he said in a statement. “After more than 1,500 nights away from my home, it is time.”

Chaffetz got headlines when he succeeded Darrell Issa as chairman of the House Oversight committee, which hounded Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton over their lies and mistakes during their time in office. Chaffetz notably highlighted the Benghazi cover up.

Despite his statements, there are other possible explanations for this sudden move. Democrat Kathryn Allen has badly out raised him for the next election. Additionally, rumors suggest Orrin Hatch is retiring. Might he be dodging a rough House election to try for a Senate seat instead?