Address change prompts Rep. Jackie Biskupski to resign from Utah House

SALT LAKE CITY — Rep. Jackie Biskupski, D-Salt Lake, has resigned from the Utah Legislature because she has purchased a home outside the legislative district she has represented for 13 years. She left open the possibility of a return to elected office, possibly to run for Salt Lake mayor in four years.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Legislature. I can't say that I am leaving politics for good, but I do look forward to seeing who will replace me on Capitol Hill," Biskupski said. The resignation was effective immediately.

Biskupski, Utah's first openly lesbian lawmaker, was elected to the House in November 1998, representing District 30. The single mother of an 18-month-old son, Biskupski said she had decided not to seek re-election in January but had intended to serve out her term. She had to move up the timetable after purchasing a new home in House District 28, now represented by Rep. Brian King, also a Democrat. Biskupski said she has no plans to run against King.

"The upside for me is the opportunity to spend more time with my family, and I am very excited about that," she said. 

Biskupski, 45, won seven consecutive elections in District 30, which includes parts of Salt Lake City, Sugar House and Central City. She is administrative assistant to Salt Lake County Sheriff Jim Winder. 

As the first openly gay person to be elected to the Utah Legislature, Biskupski said her early days as a lawmaker were challenging. Conservatives such as Eagle Forum leader Gayle Ruzicka worked behind the scenes pressuring then-House Speaker Marty Stephens not to seat her in the body, Biskupski said. Stephens refused.

"There were legislators who could not look me in the eye. There were legislators who would not shake my hand," she said. 

Over time, Biskupski earned the trust and respect of her legislative colleagues. She counts the current House Speaker Becky Lockhart, R-Provo, as a good friend. She spoke to Lockhart Monday before releasing an announcement of the press conference where she would announce her resignation. The two women were elected to office the same year.

"It's great to see a woman in those shoes for once," Biskupski said, noting that Lockhart ascending to the speaker's position was inspiring to other women and to young girls.