Chris Stewart

Chris Stewart – Life, Career, and Notable Insights

Chris Stewart (born July 15, 1960) is an American author, businessman, and former U.S. Representative from Utah (2013–2023). A former Air Force pilot, he has also published bestselling books and now works in consulting and advocacy.

Introduction

Chris Stewart is a modern example of a multifaceted public figure: military officer turned entrepreneur, novelist turned legislator. Over a decade in Congress, he focused on issues like environmental policy, intelligence, and mental health. After stepping down in 2023, he has moved into consulting and advocacy. His life underscores the ties between personal conviction, public service, and storytelling.

Early Life and Family

Christopher Douglas Stewart was born on July 15, 1960, in Logan, Utah. He was raised on a dairy farm in Cache Valley, Utah, in a large family. His father was a retired Air Force pilot and teacher; his mother, Sybil S. Stewart, was recognized in Utah as “Mother of the Year” in 1996.

He graduated from Sky View High School in Smithfield, Utah, in 1978.

He is married to Evie Stewart. Together, they have six children.

Education, Military Service & Early Career

After high school, Stewart attended Utah State University, majoring in economics, and graduated in 1984. He interrupted his studies to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (in Texas), then returned to complete his degree.

He joined the United States Air Force after college, serving from 1984 to 1998. During his service he flew both rescue helicopters and, later, fixed-wing aircraft including the B-1B bomber.

One notable achievement during his military career was his role in a mission (Coronet Bat) in 1995, in which he was senior project officer and helped set world records for flight distance and speed. He was awarded the Mackay Trophy for “significant aerial achievement.”

After retiring from active duty, Stewart entered the private sector. He became president and CEO of the Shipley Group, a consulting firm focused on energy, the environment, and security. He sold his majority stake before being sworn in as a congressman.

Simultaneously, Stewart pursued writing. His first novel, Shattered Bone, was published in 1998. He subsequently wrote several techno-thrillers and historical/political works, including Seven Miracles That Saved America and The Miracle of Freedom: Seven Tipping Points That Saved the World (co-written with his brother, Judge Ted Stewart). He also worked with Elizabeth Smart on her memoir, My Story.

Political Career & Congressional Tenure

Election and Service

Stewart first ran for Congress in 2012 and was elected to represent Utah’s 2nd congressional district, taking office on January 3, 2013. He was reelected five times. On May 31, 2023, he announced his resignation in order to focus on his wife’s health issues, and formally left office on September 15, 2023.

During his time in Congress, he served on important committees including the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Appropriations Committee. He also chaired the Subcommittee on Environment under Appropriations.

One legislative effort of note: in 2016, Stewart introduced a bill to reallocate unused Ebola funding toward Zika virus research; this concept was later folded into broader Zika funding legislation. Among his legislative priorities, he advocated for mental health measures, including helping to establish the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Political Positions

Stewart aligned closely with conservative Republican positions. He supported efforts to defund or repeal the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”). He was also a strong defender of robust national security, intelligence oversight, and conservative fiscal policy.

As a member of the House, he was a member of caucuses including the Republican Study Committee, the Anti-Socialism Caucus, the Western Caucus, and the U.S.–Japan Caucus.

Post-Congressional Moves

Soon after leaving Congress, Stewart co-founded a lobbying/consulting firm called Skyline Capitol (in association with American Global Strategies).

Personality, Vision & Public Voice

Stewart has often characterized his worldview as rooted in his faith and his experiences as a pilot and public servant. His writing tends to weave together historical, moral, and political themes, reflecting a sense that America’s trajectory is shaped by key “miracles” or turning points.

He is also known for emphasizing mental health, personal responsibility, and a strong federal role in security and intelligence. His advocacy for the 988 Lifeline underscores that interest.

Off the record, colleagues have described him as disciplined (drawing on his military background), eloquent in speech, and able to bridge roles in business, writing, and policymaking.

Lessons and Reflections

• Versatility is strength. Stewart’s path—from farm life to military pilot to author to legislator—illustrates how a varied skill set can feed public leadership.

• Narrative matters. His commitment to writing shows how storytelling can shape political and cultural narratives.

• Service evolves. He moved from active military service to public office, but his dedication to service continues in consultancy and advocacy.

• Balance personal and public life. His resignation to care for his wife highlights how public figures must often confront private responsibilities.

Conclusion

Chris Stewart is an example of someone who has bridged multiple domains: aviation, business, literature, and politics. His decade in Congress was marked by conservative policymaking, intelligence oversight, and mental health advocacy. Now, in his post-Congress life, he continues to influence through consulting, writing, and public engagement. His journey offers a portrait of modern American public service—rooted in conviction, adaptability, and the belief that ideas and narratives shape policy.