Current:Home > ScamsMitt Romney says he's not running for reelection to the Senate in 2024 -GrowthSphere Strategies
Mitt Romney says he's not running for reelection to the Senate in 2024
View
Date:2025-04-18 00:29:13
Washington — Republican Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah announced Wednesday he will not run for reelection to a second term in the Senate in 2024, calling for a "new generation of leaders" beyond President Biden and former President Donald Trump to assume power.
"I spent my last 25 years in public service of one kind or another," Romney said in a video posted on social media. "At the end of another term, I'd be in my mid-80s. Frankly, it's time for a new generation of leaders."
Romney, 76, was the Republican nominee for president in 2012 and easily won election to the Senate in Utah in 2018. He also served as the governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007 and ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008.
"While I'm not running for reelection, I'm not retiring from the fight," he said. "I'll be your United States senator until January of 2025."
In 2020, Romney became the first senator in U.S. history to vote to convict a member of his own party in an impeachment trial when he voted to convict Trump of abuse of power. He was the only Republican to vote to convict Trump in that case.
He also voted to convict Trump of inciting an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, though more Republicans crossed the aisle in that vote.
Romney told reporters Wednesday afternoon that the potential for Trump to be on the ballot next year did not sway his decision.
"I think the people in Utah don't all agree with me at the posture I took with regards to Donald Trump. But they respect people who vote their conscience and I appreciate that," he said. "I don't have any question in my mind that I would have won if I'd run again. I just don't think we need another person in their 80s."
In his statement, Romney suggested Mr. Biden and Trump should follow his lead and step aside for younger candidates.
"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," Romney said. "The next generation of leaders must take America to the next stage of global leadership."
Those comments echoed sentiments he expressed to CBS News last week.
"I think we'd all be better off if we had younger people the next generation," he said at the Capitol. "I had hoped that we'd have a new generation who'd be running for president on the Democrat side and the Republican side. I wish both of the leaders, both Trump and Biden, were going to stand aside and let a new person come in."
Romney said he spoke with Mr. Biden on Wednesday, and that the president "was very generous and kind in his comments." After he retires from the Senate, he said he plans to focus on getting more young people involved in the political process and voting.
Speaking to the Washington Post ahead of Wednesday's formal announcement, Romney said the political dynamics in Washington were also a factor in his decision to step aside when his term expires.
"It's very difficult for the House to operate, from what I can tell," he said. "And two, and perhaps more importantly, we're probably going to have either Trump or Biden as our next president. And Biden is unable to lead on important matters and Trump is unwilling to lead on important matters."
Nikole Killion contributed reporting.
- In:
- Mitt Romney
Caitlin Yilek is a politics reporter for CBS News Digital. Reach her at caitlin.yilek@cbsinteractive.com. Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hausofcait
TwitterveryGood! (55135)
Related
- The 401(k) millionaires club keeps growing. We'll tell you how to join.
- Florida hospitals ask immigrants about their legal status. Texas will try it next
- Demi Lovato Shares Whether She Wants Her Future Kids to Have Careers in Hollywood
- Disney trips meant for homeless students went to NYC school employees’ kids, officials say
- Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
- Kate Spade's Top 100 Under $100: $259 Bag for Just $49 Today Only, Plus Extra 20% Off Select Styles
- The trial date for the New Orleans mayor’s ex-bodyguard has been pushed back to next summer
- 2024 Emmys: Why Fans Are Outraged Over The Bear Being Classified as a Comedy
- Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
- TikTokers Matt Howard and Abby Howard Break Silence on Backlash Over Leaving Kids in Cruise Room
Ranking
- South Korean president's party divided over defiant martial law speech
- Polaris Dawn was a mission for the history books: Look back at the biggest moments
- Tire breaks off car, flies into oncoming traffic, killing Colorado motorcyclist
- Man charged with first-degree murder in shooting of Phoenix police officer
- Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
- Horoscopes Today, September 14, 2024
- All 4 dead aboard plane after weekend crash near runway in rural Alaska
- A secretive group recruited far-right candidates in key US House races. It could help Democrats
Recommendation
The company planning a successor to Concorde makes its first supersonic test
The trial date for the New Orleans mayor’s ex-bodyguard has been pushed back to next summer
Sofia Vergara's Stunning 2024 Emmys Look Included This $16 Beauty Product
Partial lunar eclipse to combine with supermoon for spectacular sight across U.S.
Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
Charlie Puth and Brooke Sansone Spark Marriage Speculation by Showing Off Rings in Italy
Michaela Mabinty DePrince's Mom Elaine DePrince Died 24 Hours After the Ballerina
Horoscopes Today, September 14, 2024