President Trump endorsed Mitt Romney’s Senate bid yesterday in a late-night tweet. “He will make a great Senator and worthy successor to @OrrinHatch, and has my full support and endorsement!” the President said of Romney.
.@MittRomney has announced he is running for the Senate from the wonderful State of Utah. He will make a great Senator and worthy successor to @OrrinHatch, and has my full support and endorsement!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 20, 2018
Romney was a vocal critic of President Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential election calling him a “phony” and a “fraud.” President Trump briefly considered Romney for Secretary of State before deciding on current secretary Rex Tillerson.
Romney’s announcement had been expected as neither he nor anyone close to his camp had done much to tamp down rumors that swirled around a possible candidacy since long-time Senator Orrin Hatch announced his retirement.
Romney has deep ties to the state of Utah, through his Mormon faith. He is also widely credited with turning around the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games, that because of scandal, were on the brink of bankruptcy. His ties to the state as well as his name recognition make him a heavy favorite in the race.