President-elect Donald Trump was presumably shocked to hear about a loyal Utah Republican lawmaker who has decided to call it quits before the new legislative session begins in January.

According to the Daily Mail, Rep. Kera Birkeland, described as a "rising Republican star," announced that she will be stepping out of her position just before the new session of Congress begins on Jan. 10, sending shockwaves through the party. 

Her resignation bombshell was especially stunning given that she had just won re-election to her Utah House seat.

The outgoing state lawmaker posted a message to Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz (R) on her X account, providing her reasoning for making the decision to bow out.

What did she say?

Birkeland cited the growing needs and attention of her family as her reasoning for resigning her post, which she had just won reelection to last month.

"My family and professional commitments have increasingly required my attention away from home, a trend I anticipate will persist for the next year or two," Birkeland wrote.

She added, "This choice was not made lightly - it has weighed heavily on my mind for some time, partly because I feel that my work here is far from complete. Nevertheless, the present circumstances demand that I focus on other significant responsibilities."

Utah Republican Rep. Kera Birkeland resigned less than two months after winning re-election. She supported anti-trans and anti-abortion bills.She also proposed legislation to ban trans athletes from competing in girls’ sports and transgender bathroom ban that passed this year.… pic.twitter.com/LnGEEdVXCk

— JV3MJD (@JV3MJD) December 27, 2024

The Daily Mail noted:

She added to her statement on X, saying her priorities are her faith, family, and constituents - but right now her loved ones, particularly her parents, need 'more of her time.'

In an email to colleagues obtained by KSL.com, Birkeland revealed the personal crisis behind her sudden departure.

A statement to a local news affiliate revealed that her resignation might have had something to do with an "illness" her mother is experiencing, though further details were not available.

Social media responds

Not surprisingly, many on social media accused the state lawmaker of quitting before a scandal erupted. Birkeland had a little fun with her haters on her X account.

"So many people are waiting for the scandal to break. What is my real reason for resigning? Perhaps it’s my secret obsession with The Grinch," she wrote, attaching a picture of her in a Grinch costume.

Some of her supporters and colleagues wished her well on the social media platform.

I'm going to miss you! Many of my FAVORITE moments in @utahlegislature committee meetings have been because of your pithy, intelligent and bold scrutiny of the most important bills. I'm REALLY gonna miss it!!!" Maryann Christensen wrote.