facebook-pixel

Top Utah Republican has COVID-19

House Majority Leader Mike Schultz started having coronavirus-like symptoms on Tuesday.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) House Speaker Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, left, concludes a meeting announcing Rep. Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, center, as new House majority leader along with Jefferson Moss, R-Saratoga Springs, at right, during a press event at the Capitol on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) House Speaker Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, left, concludes a meeting announcing Rep. Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, center, as new House majority leader along with Jefferson Moss, R-Saratoga Springs, at right, during a press event at the Capitol on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021.

Utah House Majority Leader Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, tested positive for COVID-19 after becoming symptomatic on Tuesday night, causing him to miss interim meetings on Wednesday.

He said his symptoms so far are mild.

“Just a few aches, not bad though. The biggest thing for me is I don’t have the energy I normally have,” Schultz said in a text message.

Schultz has not been vaccinated against the virus, but is careful to stress he is not anti-vaccine.

”I’ve been exposed and tried multiple times to get COVID. My wife had it a year ago, and I tried to get it from her so I could get it over with before last year’s session,” Schultz said. “I just assumed I was one of those people who couldn’t get it.”

Schultz was elected the #2 Republican in the Utah House last week, replacing Francis Gibson on the leadership team. Gibson announced his retirement from the Legislature late last month.

Support free news for Utah

sltrib.com is now free to access — no subscription required. We made this decision because we believe access to trustworthy, independent news shouldn’t depend on what you can afford — especially as misinformation and AI-generated content continue to rise.

Free to read doesn’t mean free to produce. Our reporters show up every day to ask hard questions and hold powerful institutions to account. That work takes resources. As a nonprofit newsroom, we rely on support from people who believe it matters. Make a donation today to fund local news that serves Utah communities.

You can help us bring more local news to more communities today.

$15$25$35

MOST VIEWED