A significant number of Republican lawmakers from Utah, over 60 in total, are expressing their desire for a change in representation at the U.S. Senate, potentially signaling the end of Sen. Mitt Romney’s tenure in Washington.
Brad Wilson, the Utah state House Speaker and a strong conservative figure, took a proactive step by establishing a Senate exploratory committee in April, signaling possible intentions to challenge Romney.
The committee, on Thursday, shared that Brad Wilson’s potential Senate run is receiving considerable support from his fellow Republicans. Specifically, three-quarters of the GOP members from the statehouse’s lower chamber and two-thirds from the Utah Senate are backing Wilson’s possible candidacy.
Utah House Speaker Wilson conveyed his gratitude, stating, “I am honored and encouraged to have the support of so many leaders from all corners of this great state. Utah needs a bold, conservative fighter in the U.S. Senate and I am humbled at the support and encouragement we’ve received so quickly.”
Historically, Romney has navigated a delicate relationship with Utah Republicans, specifically other elected officials.
Some of this tension originates from Romney’s periodic criticism of, and votes to convict, former President Donald Trump following the latter’s impeachments.
Notably, in May 2021, the Weber County GOP in Utah passed a motion to censure Romney over his actions. It’s worth mentioning that Trump garnered significant support in Utah during the 2020 presidential election against President Biden.
While Romney’s future plans remain under wraps, he has filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission earlier this year. If he decides to move forward, it would mark his maiden re-election campaign since winning the Senate seat in 2018.
Financial data hinting at the upcoming Senate battle reveals Romney has garnered almost $1.8 million this year, potentially indicating preparation for a re-election bid.
Contrarily, Wilson seems to be gearing up robustly with a current funding of over $2.2 million, albeit with $1.2 million being a personal loan from Wilson himself.
It remains to be seen if Romney will survive.
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