SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, May 9, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Former Utah Congressman Chris Cannon died Wednesday at age 73, according to several reports.
Cannon, a Republican, served Utah’s District 3 in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1997 to 2009.
“Congressman Cannon worked hard for the people of Utah, and was a dedicated public servant working on criminal justice, drug policy, regulatory reform and other issues during his time in the House of Representatives,” Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Thursday. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Rep. John Curtis, R-Utah, called Cannon “one of a kind” and a “visionary with big ideas coupled with personality and thoughtful humor.”
“Former Congressman Chris Cannon carried a storied history of public service and love for the state of Utah and our country,” said Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah. “Ann and I are keeping his family and all those who knew and loved him in our sincere prayers.”
Cannon was born in Salt Lake City on Oct. 20, 1950. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Brigham Young University in 1974, attended Harvard School of Business in 1974-75, and earned a Juris Doctor from BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School in 1980, according to his congressional biography.
Cannon served as Utah Republican Party finance chairman in 1992-94 before beginning his term in the 105th U.S. Congress on Jan. 3, 1997. He served six terms before being defeated by Jason Chaffetz in the 2008 GOP primary.
Cannon also was one of the managers appointed by the House in 1998 to conduct the impeachment proceedings of former President Bill Clinton.
