The 80-year-old Bowman, who rebounded from multiple heart bypass surgery in December and removal of a tumor from his kidney in February, expressed relief and disappointment Monday over the weekend loss.

"I didn't want to quit this way," said Bowman, who retired from the Utah Highway Patrol. "I've put 16 years into the Legislature and enjoyed every minute of it. I felt I still had a lot to give."

Vickers, a Cedar City pharmacist and small-business owner, now will battle Democrat Kirk DeMille and Constitution Party candidate Ryan Bundy for the House District 72 seat in November. The county's voters lean heavily Republican.

"I think his health came into question," Vickers said of Bowman's loss. "People may have felt that was a determining factor."

Vickers said he also worked hard to line up delegates that could hand him a win.

"We spent time with them and were apparently successful to swing the vote our way," Vickers said, adding that Bowman had provided good service during his many years as a state lawmaker.

Mervin Adair, who is chairman of the Iron County Republican Party, declined to release exact numbers Monday.

"The people love Bowman but saw it was time for change," Adair said. "Evan did his homework - people don't realize how important the caucuses and conventions are."

Bowman, who co-chairs the Interim Law Enforcement Committee, will serve out the remainder of the year.

After that, he and his wife, Marilyn, hope to spend more time with their 20 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

In neighboring Washington County, Steve Urquhart - finishing his fourth House term this year - beat out challenger Carmen Snow with 72 percent of the delegate vote to win the Republican nomination in the Senate District 29 race.

Democrat Brooks Pace and Constitution candidate Wade Beatty also vie for that slot.

cmckitrick@sltrib.com