Former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney
Willard (Mitt) Mitt RomneyWhat sort of senator will Mitt Romney be? Not a backbencher, even day one Trump endorses Romney in Utah Senate race Obama failed on Russia; Trump must get it right MORE will announce his run for Senate in Utah on Thursday with a message to supporters on social media, sources told the Washington Examiner.
He will make his first appearance on Friday, speaking to grassroots Republicans near Salt Lake City, the news outlet added.
"Stay tuned for my announcement on the Utah Senate race this Thursday. Visit www.mittromney.com to be one of the first to know!" the former Massachusetts governor said in a Facebook post on Monday.
Donald John TrumpAccuser says Trump should be afraid of the truth Woman behind pro-Trump Facebook page denies being influenced by Russians Shulkin says he has White House approval to root out 'subversion' at VA MORE during the 2016 GOP primary but since then the two figures have mended fences, with Romney briefly being considered for secretary of State before being passed over for Rex Tillerson
Rex Wayne TillersonFormer WH adviser: Trump will want to rejoin Paris climate pact by 2020 Why the US should lead on protecting Rohingya Muslims 'Bolivarian Diaspora' can no longer be ignored MORE.Utah's Senate seat, currently held by retiring Sen. Orrin Hatch
Orrin Grant HatchOvernight Finance: NAFTA defenders dig in | Tech pushes Treasury to fight EU on taxes | AT&T faces setback in merger trial | Dems make new case against Trump tax law | Trump fuels fight over gas tax What sort of senator will Mitt Romney be? Not a backbencher, even day one Lawmaker interest in NAFTA intensifies amid Trump moves MORE (R), is not under threat by Democrats and Romney is largely considered the favorite.
Romney reportedly began informing GOP insiders of his intentions last month, and Hatch has frequently said that Romney is his personal choice for the seat.
"There's no question that he loves Utah and wants to support Utah any way he can. And I'm hopeful he'll run, because he would be just fine," Hatch said in January.
"And he would certainly be somebody who I think could succeed me into the job. We haven't spoken in the last few days, but if Mitt decides to run, he knows he'll have my support."
The move has also garnered support from other Senate Republicans, who are reportedly eyeing Romney to take over leadership of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC).
Romney congratulated Hatch on his long career in the Senate in a Facebook post last month.
"I join the people of Utah in thanking my friend, Senator Orrin Hatch for his more than forty years of service to our great state and nation," Romney wrote.
"As Chairman of the Senate Finance and Judiciary Committees and as the longest-serving Republican Senator in U.S. history, Senator Hatch has represented the interests of Utah with distinction and honor," he continued.
