Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch said he may change his mind and run for an eighth term in the 2018 election.
Hatch is the most senior Republican in the chamber and said in 2012 he would retire when his current term ends in two more years. According to Politico, Hatch is considering reversing course.
"I don't think he's made a decision. I don't think that will happen until after the election. He should wait and see if he wins the majority," a top member of Utah's GOP told the website.
"He is legitimately thinking about it, but I think one reason to stay on the fence for as long as possible is you maintain relevance and legitimacy."
Another Utah Republican told Politico, "He hasn't ruled it out. And he's also going to wait and see what happens in this election."
Hatch first took office in 1977. In 2015, he became the president pro tempore of the Senate. He unsuccessfully ran for president in 2000, falling short of George W. Bush in the primaries.
Hatch endorsed Republican Donald Trump for president in May and has stood by the endorsement, although he does not agree with or condone some of Trump's controversial comments.
Hatch's chief of staff Rob Porter told Politico his boss is focused on helping Republicans get elected next month. Once the election is over, he'll turn his attention on his future.
"Although many have urged him to consider serving another term, he won't even begin to think about the 2018 cycle until after this year's elections," Porter said.
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