Trump, Florida leaders respond to Mitt Romney’s decision to not run for Senate reelection

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Numerous federal and state officials, including former President Donald Trump, responded to the sudden announcement by U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, to not seek reelection.

Romney was first elected as Utah’s Senator in 2018. The 76-year old cited his age as reasoning for not seeking a second term.

“Fantastic news for America, the great state of Utah, and for the Republican Party. Mitt Romney, sometimes referred to as Pierre Delecto, will not be seeking a second term in the U.S. Senate, where he did not serve with distinction,” Trump said.

“A big primary fight against him was in the offing, but now that will not be necessary. Congrats to all. Make America Great Again,” Trump said in all capital letters.

One of Trump’s biggest Republican critics, Romney voted to impeach Trump over the 2020 election, including for inciting the riots and demonstrations on the United States Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Romney also voted to convict Trump during his first impeachment hearing over his role in pressuring Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden, who was seeking the Democratic presidential nomination at the time.

“At the end of another term, I’ll be in my mid-80s,” Romney said. “Frankly it’s time for a new generation of leaders. They’re the ones that need to make the decisions that will shape the world they will be living in.”

In Florida, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., responded on social media. The 34-year old lawmaker is considered to be a rising star in the party. Luna is one of 33 Republican woman in the House and one of seven freshman Republicans in the chamber.

“Who is our top draft pick for Utah!? Let’s get a good conservative elected,” Luna said.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis offered a more direct attack on Romney, insinuating the Republican party needed a change.

“Some people don’t like the direction the Republican Party is headed. They want to stay behind gated communities having academic talks over fancy meals; pretend there’s no culture war and ignore the working class,” Patronis said. “Those people should follow Romney and exit stage Left.”