Sen. Mitt Romney, a Utah Republican who has been serving in the Senate for over two decades, delivered his farewell address in Washington on Wednesday. As he nears the end of his term, Romney issued a warning against those who seek to divide the nation and called on Americans to uphold the values that define the country.
In his speech, Romney reflected on his time in office and emphasized the importance of the nation’s character, which he believes is a reflection not only of its elected officials but also of its people. He expressed his intention to return to being a regular citizen, emphasizing that politics alone cannot address the challenges faced by the country.
Romney announced in September 2023 that he would not seek reelection after completing his first term in the Senate. At the time, he stated that it was time for a new generation of leaders to step up and take on the responsibilities of governing. Despite being a prominent figure in the Republican Party, Romney has always prioritized the well-being of the country over partisan politics.
Throughout his career, Romney has held several significant positions, including being the Republican nominee for president in 2012 and serving as the governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007. Despite facing criticism from within his own party, Romney has remained steadfast in his commitment to his principles and has often been willing to break from the party line when he believed it was in the best interest of the country.
In his farewell address, Romney praised the inherent goodness of the American people and highlighted the nation’s history of coming together in times of need. He acknowledged that while there have been mistakes made in the past, the nation has always strived to help those less fortunate, welcomed immigrants, and respected diverse religious beliefs.
As he prepares to leave office, Romney expressed his desire to continue being a voice of unity and virtue in the country. He emphasized the importance of Americans living up to the values that define the nation and expressed his belief that only by deserving God’s blessings can the country continue to prosper.
Throughout his time in the Senate, Romney has been known for his moderate stance on various issues and his willingness to work across party lines. He gained national attention for being the first senator in U.S. history to vote to convict a member of his own party during President Trump’s impeachment trial in 2020. He also voted to convict Trump of inciting an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Despite his differences with President Trump, Romney’s colleagues in the Senate have praised him for his integrity, humility, and dedication to public service. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell commended Romney for his long and honorable career in politics, highlighting his achievements as both governor of Massachusetts and senator from Utah.
McConnell described Romney as a linchpin for bipartisan cooperation and credited him with achieving more in six years than many of his colleagues do in much longer terms. He also noted Romney’s presidential qualities and his ability to appeal to a wide range of constituents, regardless of political affiliation.
As Romney prepares to leave the Senate, he leaves behind a legacy of principled leadership and a commitment to putting the country above partisan interests. He will be remembered as a voice of reason and unity in a time of increasing polarization and division in American politics.
