Please retire already.
Well known Trump-hater Senator Mitt Romney from Utah continues to maintain an air of uncertainty surrounding his decision on whether to seek reelection next year. Known for his adversarial stance towards former President Donald Trump, Romney exudes confidence in his prospects for reelection should he decide to run. This assertion finds support in various polls, as reported by the Washington Examiner.
Romney enjoys unwavering support from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, as well as Senator Steve Daines from Montana, who leads the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Senator McConnell praised Romney as an exceptionally effective senator in a statement last month, as detailed by the Examiner.
Nonetheless, former President Trump remains a vocal proponent of booting Romney from office and has actively encouraged other potential candidates to enter the race. It’s worth noting that the Utah GOP primary is scheduled for next June.
Utah’s House Speaker, Brad Wilson, has taken steps toward a potential Senate bid by launching an exploratory committee in April. However, Wilson is awaiting Romney’s decision before making a formal announcement. Wilson has garnered endorsements from nearly 50 state legislators for a U.S. Senate run and is currently polling as one of the most competitive contenders against Romney among those considering a bid.
Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs initiated his Senate campaign in May and has earned the backing of conservative commentator Mark Levin. While polls indicate Romney holds a considerable lead over both Wilson and Staggs, a majority of Utah voters have yet to make up their minds.
Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes, who played a significant role in Trump’s 2020 reelection campaign as the state’s co-chair, has been under pressure to enter the race, according to reports from the Examiner and Reyes’ advisers.
Former Representative Jason Chaffetz, who chaired the House Oversight Committee, has also expressed interest in running and plans to make a final decision in the fall.
Notably, former national security adviser Robert C. O’Brien, a Utah resident who served under Trump, confirmed in late August that he was not considering a Senate run.
Regardless of Romney’s decision, the Utah Senate seat is expected to remain in Republican hands. No Democratic candidate has signaled an intention to challenge Romney. He took a preliminary step toward fundraising for a potential reelection bid by filing a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission in April. Furthermore, Romney boasts a substantial donor network and a personal fortune of $300 million, which he can leverage if and when he officially enters the race for a second Senate term, as reported by the Examiner.