Utah Republicans line up behind possible Romney challenger

Dozens of Republican lawmakers in Utah have thrown their support behind a likely challenger to Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney.

The Republican senator has faced declining poll numbers in the state and already has a primary challenger in the form of Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs. Romney has not announced his intent to seek reelection.

Should he do so, he may face a formidable opponent in Speaker of the House Brad Wilson, who has formed a committee to explore a Senate bid against him, Fox News reported. That prospective bid, per the committee, has already earned the support of three-quarters of the state House's Republicans and two-thirds of GOP state senators. The outlet put the figure at more than 60 state lawmakers.

"I am honored and encouraged to have the support of so many leaders from all corners of this great state. Utah needs a bold, conservative fighter in the U.S. Senate and I am humbled at the support and encouragement we’ve received so quickly," Wilson said.

The apparent appetite among the state GOP for a Romney alternative may stem from the moderate lawmaker's penchant for criticizing former President Donald Trump, who remains influential within the state. Romney twice voted to convict Trump in his impeachment trials and was the only Senate Republican to do so in the first.

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