Hatch May Retire, Let Romney Run for Senate Seat

A new report suggests Sen. Orrin Hatch may retire next year and that Mitt Romney would run in his place.

UtahPolicy reports that Hatch, a Utah Republican who turned 83 in March, is leaning toward hanging up his legislative hat after what would be 41 years in office at the end of next year.

Hatch has said several times in recent months that he intends to run for re-election unless something changes his mind. He has, however, named Romney — a former Massachusetts governor and the 2012 Republican presidential candidate — as a potential successor.

The latest report paints a picture that suggests Hatch may actually retire and let Romney replace him on the ballot.

UtahPolicy notes that Hatch would likely announce his decision not to run again this fall.

Romney is a popular choice to replace Hatch in GOP circles. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell reached out to him earlier this year about running for the Senate.

President Donald Trump considered naming Romney as his secretary of state but ultimately decided not to.

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