SALT LAKE CITY — State Sen. Al Jackson, R-Highland, turned in his resignation Friday after announcing last fall that he intended to step down after the 2016 Legislature.
Jackson is moving to Virginia to be closer to his aging parents, his business in Washington, D.C., and his son who will play basketball at Duke University.
"I have truly appreciated my time in the Utah Senate. I am fortunate to have worked with so many exceptional people, on projects that will help ensure a strong economy and good, limited government," he wrote in his resignation letter.
A conservative Republican, Jackson worked transportation, education and child welfare legislation and championed repealing the 17th Amendment, which allows the direct election of U.S. senators.
Jackson was appointed to the Senate in 2014 to replace outgoing Sen. John Valentine, R-Orem.
The Utah County Republican intends to discuss the process and timetable for filling the midterm vacancy at a steering committee meeting next Thursday, said Chairman Craig Frank.
Residents in the Senate District 14, which includes parts of Orem, Pleasant Grove, American Fork, Highland and Alpine, need representation as soon as possible, he said. The appointment would run through early January when Jackson's term expires.
Dan Hemmert defeated Morgan Philpot earlier this week in the Republican Party primary election in the district and will be on the November ballot. Libertarian Joe Buchman and Independent American Curt Crosby also will be on the ballot. No Democrat filed to run for the seat.
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