Mitt Romney, the senator from Utah, surprised the entire political world on Friday when he announced that he will not seek a second term in the U.S. Senate.
The decision comes after Romney has served less than one year in the Senate as a Representative of the people of Utah. Romney was elected to the Senate in 2018 and took office in 2019.
Before his entry into the Senate, Romney served two terms as the Governor of Massachusetts and was the Republican nominee for president in 2012. Throughout his decades of service, Romney has been a consistent political figure, often crossing party lines to vote on issues that he deemed beneficial to the people.
Romney had become increasingly vocal on many issues, particularly pertaining to President Trump. He voted to impeach the President in February and had repeatedly denounced his policies and characterizations of the press. He had also recently sided with the Democrats on a vote to keep the government running, despite Republicans having control of the White House and both chambers of Congress.
In a statement released following his decision, Romney stated that he was honored to serve the people of Utah and profoundly grateful for the privilege. He also noted that as senators take on important national responsibilities, they must put the nation’s interests before their own.
Hours after his announcement, speculation quickly began about Romney’s future plans. Many believe that he will seek the White House again in 2020 or 2024, while others are unsure what the next step will be for the senator.
It is clear, however, that Mitt Romney’s presence in the Senate will be sorely missed, as he had become a renowned voice of conscience and reason during the current chaotic political climate.