Senator Mitt Romney of Utah is considering a re-election bid in 2024, even as he faces opposition from some Republicans in his state for his willingness to publicly rebuke members of his own party and work with Democrats.
The 75-year-old senator has twice voted to convict former President Donald Trump in impeachment trials and has criticized senators who opposed certifying the 2020 presidential election results.
Mitt Romney earned a reputation for bipartisanship despite the backlash he has faced, negotiating the 2021 infrastructure law with Democrats and supporting gun control measures.
No GOP challenger has come forward yet, but several prominent Utah Republicans are being considered as potential candidates, including former U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz and Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes.
A decision on Romney’s re-election bid will be made after he weighs personal considerations, the state of the Republican landscape, and his goals in the Senate.
Romney has been a popular figure in Utah for many years, having served as the governor of Massachusetts and helped turn the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah into a successful showcase.
Additionally, he graduated from Brigham Young University and is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a religion that is practiced by more than half of Utah’s residents.
However, his outspoken stances and impeachment votes have drawn criticism from some Republicans in his state.
Despite this, he remains committed to his role in the Senate and the importance of serving his conscience.
He has said that he will consider all factors before making a decision on his re-election bid, including the presidential race and other Senate races. Regardless of the outcome, Romney has indicated that he will continue to fight for what he believes is right and make a positive impact in the Senate.
While Romney has not yet made a formal announcement, his decision on whether to run for re-election will likely be watched closely by Republicans and Democrats.
If he decides to run, he will likely face opposition from conservative groups, such as the Club For Growth, which has previously used the phrase “Mitt Romney Republican” in attack ads.
However, he is also seen as a strong candidate in a primary election, where a larger pool of moderate and independent Republicans cast their ballots.
Utah allows candidates to secure a spot on the primary election ballot through either collecting voter signatures or winning the support of 4,000 conservative-leaning delegates at the state GOP party convention.
Although Romney is unlikely to win the support of delegates, he is seen as a popular figure in Utah and has a track record of bipartisanship in the Senate.
Whatever the outcome of his re-election bid, Romney’s legacy in the Senate will continue to be shaped by his commitment to serving his conscience and working towards what he believes is right for the country.
