Utah House Speaker to enter Senate race in bid to replace Romney

Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson will officially announce a campaign for Senate on Wednesday evening, jumping into what will likely be a crowded Republican primary to replace retiring Sen. Mitt Romney.

Romney announced he would not seek reelection earlier this month, having served a single term. His retirement drew cheers from supporters of former President Donald Trump, with whom the moderate senator had often sparred.

Wilson confirmed his plans to Fox News, touting the "overwhelming support we've had from everyone in the state — from elected officials to grassroots support. Just a lot of people encouraging us to run, whether it's been support in terms of wanting to go out and knock doors or get supporters on board [with] financial support."

Prior to making his announcement, Wilson appeared to have strong support among the state's elected Republican leaders, with clear majorities of Republican lawmakers in both state chambers lining up behind a prospective run as early as August.

He will join Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs in the primary field. Staggs declared his campaign in May, before Romney announced his retirement.

The state is solidly Republican and the winner of the primary contest is likely to become the Beehive State's next senator.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.