Utah lawmakers and leaders react to Romney reelection announcement
Sep 13, 2023, 3:39 PM | Updated: Sep 14, 2023, 2:58 pm
Sen. Mitt Romney addresses the Utah Republican Party 2021 Organizing Convention Saturday, May 1, 2021, in West Valley City, Utah.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Utah AG will not run for Senate
One Senate candidate rumor was put to rest. Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes said he wouldn’t seek to replace Romney, despite long-standing rumors of a Senate run.
I wish Senator Romney and his family the best in retirement. Over the last several years, I have been asked by many in Utah, D.C., and across the country to run for his seat whether or not he was running for re-election.
I believe I am well positioned to run for and win that…
— Sean Reyes (@SeanReyesUT) September 13, 2023
Reyes will instead seek reelection as attorney general.
His campaign told KSL NewsRadio he will be endorsing someone in the Senate race in the days to come.
Speaker Wilson hints at running
House Speaker Brad Wilson, who filed as a U.S. Senate candidate but called it an “exploratory” move, wished Romney the best following the announcement.
In his statement, Wilson said the state needs “to elect a strong conservative fighter to the U.S. Senate,” and said he had been encouraged by support and endorsements in his possible run for Senate in 2024.
His statement ended with “stay tuned,” neither confirming nor denying whether he would indeed run for Senate.
Riverton mayor emphasizes a suitable replacement
Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs, who is running for Romney’s seat in 2024, said in a post on X, that Romney’s replacement should be an “America First champion.”
I set out to challenge Mitt Romney because I believe we need America First champions in the Senate. I’m grateful for the support I’ve received and continue to. Let’s make sure we don’t replace him with a squish. We can do this!https://t.co/anSpx7DmJ4
— Mayor Trent Staggs (@MayorStaggs) September 13, 2023
Governor shows appreciation
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox expressed his gratitude toward Romney shortly after the news broke.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Cox said, “Our state and our nation have benefited from his principled leadership and patriotism.”
.@SenatorRomney has served with distinction at the highest levels of government and we’re incredibly grateful for his commitment to this country. Our state and our nation have benefited from his principled leadership and patriotism.
— Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox (@GovCox) September 13, 2023
Sen. Mike Lee, who serves alongside Romney as a U.S. senator, released a statement of support for his counterpart.
“I want to thank Senator Romney for his many years of public service. I wish him the very best of success in his future endeavors, and I know that his family will enjoy the opportunity to spend more time with him.”
Jessica Lowell contributed to the reporting of this article.
