NEW YORK, New York, June 28, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — Fox News has hired Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz to be a contributor for the cable news network after the congressman ends his House term early on Friday.
Chaffetz will start his role at Fox the next day, on July 1, according to a statement from the network.
“In this role he will offer political analysis across FNC and FOX Business Network’s (FBN) daytime and primetime programming,” the statement said.
The Utah congressman, who is head of the House Oversight Committee, announced last month he would resign early from Congress to pursue other opportunities instead of seeking re-election next year.
Chaffetz announced the news in a letter that called his opportunity to serve “a rare honor and privilege,” and said he and his wife agreed that it’s time to move to another chapter of his life.
Chaffetz said his life has been changing recently, noting that he has turned 50, and will be an empty nester soon. He has spent more time away from home than he would like, he said.
And Chaffetz wished the next person to hold his job well. He did not at that time elaborate on any career plans for the future.
The letter reads, in part: “I’ve slept on a cot in my office largely to save money for the Chaffetz family, but also to remind myself that my service there was temporary. Though the time away and the travel have been a sacrifice, our family has always been united that public service was the right thing to do. We feel my time in congress has been well spent, but it now seems the right time to turn the page.
“I have very much enjoyed serving, but never for a moment have I thought that I was indispensable. I know others can and should serve. The House is known as the ‘People’s House’ because it is made up of a cross section of ordinary Americans who represent almost every walk of life – as it should be. While remaining true to my principles I have made the effort to ‘reach across the aisle.’ I count many Democratic members as my friends. I hope whoever replaces me will do even better.”
Earlier this month, a group of approximately 800 state Republican delegates voted to advance former Utah lawmaker Chris Herrod to the August primary. He will face off against Provo Mayor John Curtis and Tanner Ainge, son of Boston Celtics manager Danny Ainge.
