OPINION | This article contains the author's opinion.
Anti-Trump Republican Senator Mitt Romney, who once voted to impeach Donald Trump, will not seek reelection.
Romney emphasized the need for a “new generation of leaders” to address pressing challenges facing the country.
He cited concerns about the national debt, climate change, and international threats from Russia and China.
This is a Tucker Carlson segment from January 2019.
It perfectly deconstructs how people like Mitt Romney failed the Republican Party.
It's also the greatest cable TV monologue of all time and the most honest discussion of U.S. politics and culture you will ever see. pic.twitter.com/q1WBhWVcDn
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) September 14, 2023
He criticized both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump for their handling of these issues and their failure to address entitlements and climate change effectively.
In a statement, Romney said, “We face critical challenges — mounting national debt, climate change, and the ambitious authoritarians of Russia and China. Neither President Biden nor former President Trump are leading their party to confront them. On the deficits and debt, both men refuse to address entitlements even though they represent two thirds of federal spending.”
“Donald Trump calls global warming a hoax and President Biden offers feel-good solutions that will make no difference to the global climate,” he continued.
“On China, President Biden underinvests in the military and President Trump underinvests in our alliances. Political motivations too often impede the solutions that these challenges demand. The next generation of leaders must take America to the next stage of global leadership.”
Romney’s tenure in the Senate has been marked by controversy, including his involvement in negotiating the bipartisan infrastructure bill and his decision to vote to convict Trump during his first impeachment trial.
This vote led to censure from local county GOP officials and conservative groups.
With Romney stepping aside, Utahns will now have the opportunity to choose his successor in the Senate.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) expressed gratitude for Romney’s years of service and pledged to nominate a candidate who will maintain Utah’s Republican status in 2024.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) expressed gratitude for Romney’s years of service and pledged to nominate a candidate who will maintain Utah’s Republican status in 2024.
Utah Senate Republican candidate and Riverton, Utah, Mayor Trent Staggs took the opportunity to highlight Romney’s stance on the impeachment inquiry against Biden.
“I’m glad to see Mitt Romney crossing party lines and joining the Republicans on this,” Staggs said.
National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Chairman Steve Daines said “I join my Republican colleagues in expressing gratitude to Senator Romney for his years of service to our country and the state of Utah. We are going to nominate a candidate who will keep Utah red in 2024.”