By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-12-28 01:36:21 | Updated at 2024-12-28 17:14:10
15 hours ago
A glamorous MAGA lawmaker has mysteriously quit her role for family reason just weeks after winning re-election.
Rising Republican star Kera Birkeland, 41, dropped the news that she will be stepping down from her Utah House seat on January 10, 2025 - just days before the new legislative session begins.
In a message to Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz posted on X, formerly Twitter, Birkeland claimed she needed to focus on 'family and professional commitments.'
'My family and professional commitments have increasingly required my attention away from home, a trend I anticipate will persist for the next year or two,' she wrote.
'This choice was not made lightly - it has weighed heavily on my mind for some time, partly because I feel that my work here is far from complete. Nevertheless, the present circumstances demand that I focus on other significant responsibilities,' she continued.
She added to her statement on X, saying her priorities are her faith, family, and constituents - but right now her loved ones, particularly her parents, need 'more of her time.'
In an email to colleagues obtained by KSL.com, Birkeland revealed the personal crisis behind her sudden departure.
She wrote that her 'mother's illness has required significant time and attention,' she wrote Thursday.
Rising Republican star Kera Birkeland, 41, dropped the news that she will be stepping down from her Utah House seat on January 10, 2025 - just days before the new legislative session begins
She wrote that her 'mother's illness has required significant time and attention,' she wrote Thursday
'I feel it's necessary to focus on my family during this challenging period,' Birkeland added.
The sudden exit comes after she secured another two-year term just last month.
Birkeland was first appoitned in April 2020 and became known for fighting against transgender athletes in girls' sports
During her time in office, Birkeland sponsored several significant pieces of legislation addressing transgender rights.
She sponsored HB11 in 2022, which banned transgender athletes from participating in girls' high school sports.
Though initially vetoed by Gov. Spencer Cox, the bill later passed when lawmakers overruled the veto in a special session.
Earlier this year, she sponsored additional legislation restricting transgender access to restrooms in government buildings while expanding requirements for unisex facilities.
In her resignation letter, Birkeland described her legislative service as 'immensely fulfilling' and expressed hope her successor would continue 'upholding the common sense and values that define Utah.'
The sudden exit comes after she secured another two-year term just last month
'I am grateful that my children have seen their mother balance work, public service, faith and family for many successful years,' she wrote. 'But, it is OK to prioritize the things that matter most. For me, that is and always will be my family.'
House Speaker Mike Schultz praised Birkeland's service following the announcement.
'I'm proud to call her a colleague and more importantly, a friend,' he said. 'I wish her nothing but the best and thank her for her years of service in the House.'
There have been many rumors flying around since the news was announced discussing the 'real reason' why Birkeland might be leaving office.
Birkeland took to social media to address the circulating rumors surrounding why she's 'really leaving.'
She even shared a photo of herself in a Grinch costume mocking those who are gossiping about her.
'So many people are waiting for the scandal to break. What is my real reason for resigning? Perhaps it's my secret obsession with the Grinch,' she wrote alongside the photo.
She added to her statement on X, saying her priorities are her faith, family, and constituents - but right now her family, particularly her parents, need 'more of her time'
She sponsored HB11 in 2022, which banned transgender athletes from participating in girls' high school sports
Rep. Kera Birkeland of the Utah Legislature is seen alone and with her 'best friend,' husband Lars
Birkeland took to social media to address the circulating rumors
She even shared a photo of herself in a Grinch costume mocking those who are gossiping about her
The conservative politician also shot down rumors that she may be relocating to Montana.
She dispelled those rumors in another post claiming she's 'not moving' and they 'maintain homes in two states.'
