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Utah House Republicans elect new leadership

Rep. Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, was elected majority leader by the GOP caucus over Rep. Keven Stratton, R-Orem.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Rep. Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, center, is announced as new House majority leader along with Jefferson Moss, R-Saratoga Springs, at right, as new House majority whip, by House Speaker Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, left, at the Capitol on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021.

Movin’ on up, but instead of a deluxe apartment, it’s the leadership of the House Republican caucus.

House Majority Leader Francis Gibson, R-Mapleton, announced he was stepping away from Capitol Hill late last month, opening the top Republican slot in the House.

Rep. Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, was elected House majority leader by the GOP caucus over Rep. Keven Stratton, R-Orem, on Monday morning.

“I’m super excited about the opportunity that’s in front of us,” Schultz said. “We’ve got a lot of hard work coming at us.”

Schultz moves up from the number two GOP slot as House majority whip.

Replacing Schultz is Rep. Jefferson Moss, R-Saratoga Springs, who was selected as the new House majority whip over Rep. Stephen Handy, R-Layton.

“It’s humbling to be in this position, and I’m very excited to serve our caucus and the state,” Moss said.

Moss was in an appointed position on the leadership team as House co-chair of the Executive Appropriations Committee. Speaker Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, and the new leadership team will pick Moss’ replacement.

There are currently no women on the House GOP leadership team. Wilson says he’s aware of that but will appoint Moss’ replacement based on merit.

“We will pick someone to fill that role we think can serve the state the best,” Wilson said.