Romney’s Senate Retirement Leaves Gap in Conservative Trump Criticism

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Senator Mitt Romney’s upcoming departure from the U.S. Senate leaves a void in Washington; he’s been a prominent conservative voice critical of Donald Trump, especially as the president prepares for a second term.

At a farewell press conference in Salt Lake City on Friday, the retiring senator will reflect on his two-decade political career, encompassing the 2012 Republican presidential nomination, his time as Massachusetts governor, and his frequent clashes with Trump’s congressional allies.

Romney, 77, opted against seeking reelection this year after serving Utah in the Senate since 2019. He plans to focus on engaging young people in politics after leaving office in January but hasn’t detailed his plans.

Once a leading figure in the Republican Party, Romney’s brand of moderate conservatism shifted from mainstream to unconventional as Trump’s influence grew.

He became a key voice for the Senate’s centrist faction, playing a leading role in negotiations for the bipartisan $550 billion infrastructure bill—a key accomplishment of the Biden administration—and a significant COVID-19 relief package.

Analysts express concern that his departure might create a shortage of strong centrist voices capable of maintaining bipartisan cooperation in an increasingly polarized Washington.

Republican Representative John Curtis will succeed Romney. Curtis has earned a reputation for challenging party leaders like Trump, who has falsely dismissed climate change.

Observers will watch Curtis and other moderate Republicans closely to see if they’ll defy the party line on votes confirming Trump’s cabinet nominees.

In 2020, Romney became the first senator to vote to convict a president from their own party in an impeachment trial. He was the only Republican senator to vote to convict Trump in both impeachment proceedings, though Trump was acquitted both times.

Earlier this year, Romney promised not to vote for Trump but chose not to endorse Democrat Kamala Harris alongside other prominent Republicans, explaining his desire to maintain options for helping rebuild the Republican Party.