Kennedy’s announcement Wednesday states that his resignation from the state Senate will go into effect Jan. 1, 2025, if he reigns victorious in the race for Utah’s 3rd Congressional District to replace Rep. John Curtis in the November election.

Kennedy won the Republican primary for the seat in June, beating out four other candidates while capturing nearly 40% of the votes. He’ll face Democrat Glenn Wright of Park City in the general election.

“While it is bittersweet to leave my current role, I remain fully committed to fighting for our families and community, both in Utah and Washington.” he said in the announcement.

Kennedy was selected to fill the seat for Senate District 21, which includes northern Utah County, during the party’s special election in 2020.

“I have been profoundly humbled by the trust you placed in me to represent our shared values for Utah,” Kennedy stated in the announcement. “Now, I am presented with a new opportunity to serve. As the Republican nominee for Congress in Utah’s Third Congressional District, I have the chance to continue fighting for our community on a larger scale.”

Contingent upon him winning the race in November, Kennedy wanted to ensure Utah County Republicans have ample time to fill his seat.

He vowed to make a donation to the Utah County Republican Party to help offset the costs of holding a special election.

“I believe it is important to provide advanced notice so there is sufficient time to vet, select, and prepare a qualified replacement for our district in the State Senate before the state legislative session begins in January,” Kennedy stated in the announcement.

In light of Kennedy’s resignation, the Utah County Republican Party will have to work quickly to fill the vacancy. The delegation has 45 days from the date of the elected official’s resignation to hold a special convention and choose a nominee, according to the party’s bylaws.

The bylaws also note that a five-day filing period for potential candidates must be established, though Utah County Republican Party Chair Cristy Henshaw says they will likely extend it to seven days beginning Monday. The party also plans to hold two party-sponsored events for delegates to meet and examine the candidates.

Henshaw says they are currently in the midst of firming up locations for the required events, most likely in a school auditorium somewhere in the county. “We’re looking to hopefully have this all wrapped up near the end of October, and it’s going to go quick,” Henshaw told the Daily Herald.

She anticipates the special convention could happen the first weekend in November, just hours before the general election date.

So far, at least two people said they are vying for the seat to replace Kennedy.

Former Utah County Commissioner Bill Lee told the Deseret News he intends to run in the special election.

Another eyeing the District 21 opening is Rep. Brady Brammer, R-Pleasant Grove, who according to his website is looking to make a run at filling the seat.

Brammer currently represents the communities of Alpine, Cedar Hills and Highland. In June, he sponsored a bill preventing the Alpine School District from initiating the process of reconfiguration.

Henshaw said a bevy of other elected officials and policymakers also have expressed interest in becoming the next state senator for District 21.

“I am thinking we will end up with quite a heavy load on this one,” Henshaw said.