SALT LAKE CITY — As Mitt Romney prepares to depart from the U.S. Senate, Washington will bid farewell to one of the most outspoken conservative critics of Donald Trump, just as the president gears up for a new term in the coming year.
In a farewell press conference set for Friday in Salt Lake City, the outgoing senator will reflect on his extensive political journey spanning two decades. This journey includes his bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012, his tenure as governor of Massachusetts, and his numerous encounters with Trump supporters in Congress.
At 77 years old, Romney has chosen not to pursue reelection this year after representing Utah in the Senate since 2019. He has indicated a desire to engage younger individuals in the political process once he steps down in January, although he has yet to outline any specific plans.
Once a prominent figure within the Republican Party, Romney has witnessed the shift of his brand of moderate conservatism from a mainstream ideology to a more fringe position as Trump’s influence expanded within the party.
He quickly established himself as a significant voice for centrists in Congress, playing a crucial role in negotiating the $550 billion bipartisan infrastructure bill—one of the hallmark achievements of the Biden administration—as well as a substantial COVID-19 relief package.
Political analysts express concerns that his departure may create a void in strong centrist representation, which is vital for fostering bipartisanship amid the increasing polarization that defines today’s political landscape in Washington.
Romney’s Senate seat will be taken over by Republican U.S. Rep. John Curtis, known for challenging party leaders like Trump on issues such as climate change, which he argues is a real phenomenon, despite assertions to the contrary from some within the party. All eyes will be on Curtis and other moderate Republicans who might choose to break from party lines regarding Trump’s cabinet selections.
In a historic move in 2020, Romney became the first senator to vote to convict a president of his own party during an impeachment trial. He stood out as the sole Republican in Congress to support the conviction of Trump during both of his impeachment trials, where Trump ultimately faced acquittal in the Senate.
Earlier this year, Romney declared that he would not back Trump in future elections but stopped short of endorsing Democrat Kamala Harris, explaining that he wishes to keep his ability to aid in the future revitalization of the Republican Party intact.
