Romney officially files to run for Senate

Mitt Romney (R) on Thursday officially filed his paperwork to run in Utah to replace retiring Sen. Orrin Hatch (R).

“Today, I visited the office of LG @SpencerJCox to officially file for the US Senate race,” Romney tweeted, along with a photo of him signing election documents.

“In the month since I announced my candidacy, I’ve driven nearly 4,000 miles to meet with Utahns in 20 counties. Hope I’ll get a chance to meet you soon and earn your vote,” he added.

Today, I visited the office of LG @SpencerJCox to officially file for the US Senate race. In the month since I announced my candidacy, I’ve driven nearly 4,000 miles to meet with Utahns in 20 counties. Hope I’ll get the chance to meet you soon and earn your vote. pic.twitter.com/LHaq6FRkCz

— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) March 15, 2018

Romney, the former Massachusetts governor and 2012 Republican presidential nominee, announced last month in an online video that he would run for Senate.

{mosads}“I believe I can help bring Utah’s values and Utah’s lessons to Washington. Utah is a better model for Washington than Washington is for Utah,” he said in the video.

Romney is not expected to face a primary challenge, and is heavily favored over his presumptive Democratic opponent, Salt Lake City councilwoman Jenny Wilson, according to polls.

He has frequently sparred with President Trump. Romney blasted then-candidate Trump in a March 2016 speech as a “phony” who was taking over the Republican Party.

Since Trump took office, he has hit the president for supporting Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore and for reportedly referring to Haiti and African nations as “shithole countries.”

However, Trump tweeted his support for Romney’s campaign after the initial announcement, and Romney expressed appreciation in return.

.@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

Thank you Mr. President for the support. I hope that over the course of the campaign I also earn the support and endorsement of the people of Utah.

— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) February 20, 2018