In a recent video announcement, Senator Mitt Romney of Utah, who was the Republican presidential candidate in 2012 and a notable critic of ex-President Donald Trump, confirmed he will not seek re-election when his term concludes.
Romney, reflecting on his quarter-century in various public service roles, stated, “Considering I’d be in my mid-eighties at the end of another term, it’s essential for newer leaders to step up and shape the future they’ll inhabit.” He emphasized his commitment to serve until January 2025, saying, “Though I won’t be contesting the next election, I remain dedicated to the cause.”
Having been a Senator since 2019 and Massachusetts’ governor from 2003-2007, 76-year-old Romney recalled his tenure in the Senate as “especially fruitful.” He highlighted his role in bipartisan discussions on topics like the infrastructure law, gun safety regulations, the Electoral Count Act, and emergency funding for Covid-19.
? BREAKING: Mitt Romney says he will not seek re-election to the U.S. Senate
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) September 13, 2023
Romney also took the opportunity to critique both Trump and the current President, Joe Biden. He remarked, “Neither Biden nor Trump have steered their parties to tackle these pressing matters.”
Throughout Trump’s presidency, Romney has been a vocal critic. He once commented during the 2016 Republican presidential primaries, “Donald Trump is a phony, a fraud… He’s exploiting the American citizens. He rides freely towards the presidency, and all we receive is a subpar hat.” Romney’s disagreements with Trump were evident when he voted in favor of Trump’s conviction in both Senate impeachment trials, being the sole Republican in the first trial to do so.
Senate Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell, expressed his regret over Romney’s decision, stating, “It’s rare for the Senate to welcome members as distinguished as Mitt Romney right from the start. It’s been a privilege having him for the past four-plus years, and his departure next year will be a loss.”
Donald Trump, not missing the opportunity to comment, celebrated Romney’s decision on Truth Social. He posted, “Fantastic news for America, Utah, & the GOP. Mitt Romney, also known as Pierre Delecto, won’t be contesting for a second Senate term, a tenure that wasn’t particularly noteworthy.” Trump hinted at a potential primary challenge against Romney, but with this announcement, he said, “Such a contest is now redundant. Congratulations to all. Let’s Make America Great Again.”
