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UTAH STATE SENATE

320 STATE CAPITOL • P.O. BOX 145115 • SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84114
801-538-1035 • www.utahsenate.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


March 14, 2018

CONTACT:
Bryan Smith
Utah State Senate
801-708-5121
bsmith@le.utah.gov

PRESIDENT NIEDERHAUSER ANNOUNCES HE WILL NOT SEEK RE-ELECTION

SALT LAKE CITY — President Wayne Niederhauser released the following statement:

Today, I am announcing that I will not be seeking re-election at the end of my current term this year.
It is time for a new face with fresh energy and ideas. It has been one of the great experiences of my
life to be the Senate President and represent citizens of Senate District 9. The experience changed me
as a person, adding value to my character and abilities.

Until very recently, I intended to seek re-election to the Utah Senate. However, as this last legislative
session concluded I began to question that decision. For the last few days I have carefully evaluated
the pros and cons of seeking another term in office. The pros outnumbered the cons almost three to
one. While on paper the decision seemed obvious, an inner voice said, “this is the very reason you
shouldn’t run for office again.” This message may seem confusing, but to me the meaning is clear:
when you begin to think you are even a little indispensable, it is time to step away.

Thank you to the constituents in Senate District 9. I appreciate all the support and trust you have giv-
en me over the past 11 years. It has been my pleasure to get to know so many of you as we talked on
your doorstep and discussed issues during our town hall meetings. I have enjoyed hearing your views
and opinions as I’ve worked hard to represent you.

I want to express my gratitude to my Senate colleagues and staff. It has been an absolute privilege to
serve as the Senate President over the past six years. Thank you for taking a chance on me — a bean
counting budget wonk. Most importantly, thank you for your incredible kindness and friendship.

Most of all, I want to thank my wife Melissa. Her love and support have been invaluable as I served
in this position. She leaves a legacy of service, inclusion and unconventional style. Also, many
thanks to all my family and business colleagues for their patience and endurance through seemingly
long legislative sessions and through the many hours I have been away doing the work of the people.

Serving the people of District 9 and as the Utah Senate President has been the honor of a lifetime.
I will forever cherish the relationships, the policy, the process and being so intimately involved in
shaping our great state for the future. I may even miss the politics.

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