Chris Cannon was a politician who represented Utah as a Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1997 to 2009.
- Died: May 8, 2024 (Who else died on May 8?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 73.
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Chris Cannon’s legacy
Cannon was born in Salt Lake City, part of the prominent Cannon family of politicians and business leaders. Before his political career, he worked as a lawyer and businessman. He ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996, challenging the Democratic incumbent, Bill Orton. Cannon won in a close race and began his first of five terms.
Among Cannon’s best-known roles in the House was as a member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law, in which capacity he served as one of 13 House managers in the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton. He was frequently seen in news coverage of the trial, and he later expressed his frustration with the process and revealed that he had considered quitting the committee because of that annoyance.
Cannon also served on the House Government Reform Committee and House Resources Committee, as well as several subcommittees. He was considered one of the most conservative Republicans serving in the House during his era, reflecting his staunchly conservative Utah district.
In 2008, Cannon faced two Republican primary challengers, and the close result led to a runoff. He lost the primary runoff to Jason Chaffetz, who went on to serve until his 2017 resignation.
Notable quote
“I would implore you, Senators, both Republican and Democrat, to set aside partisanship, politics, polls and personalities, and exchange them for loftier inclinations, those of procedure, policy and precedent. These are the only guidelines this body should have.” — from the 1999 impeachment trial of President Clinton
Tributes to Chris Cannon
Full obituary: Deseret News
