BREAKING: Mitt Romney will not seek another term in Senate

"The next generation of leaders must take America to the next stage of global leadership."

"While I’m not running for reelection, I’m not retiring from the fight," Romney said. "I’ll be your United States Senator until January of 2025."

"I will keep working on these and other issues, and I’ll advance our state’s numerous priorities. I look forward to working with you and with folks across our state and nation in that endeavor."

"It really is a profound honor to serve Utah and the country, and I thank you for giving me the opportunity to do so."

In an interview with the Washington Post, Romney, 76, said his decision not to run was influenced by his age, and that being in his 80s during his next term would mean a less productive and less satisfying term.

“It’s very difficult for the House to operate, from what I can tell,” he said in a telephone interview before his formal announcement, “and two, and perhaps more importantly, we’re probably going to have either Trump or Biden as our next president. And Biden is unable to lead on important matters and Trump is unwilling to lead on important matters.”

Romney, who ran for president in 2012 and lost to then-incumbent Obama, was sworn into the Senate in 2019, and his 6-year term ends in 2025.

In a statement to Truth Social, 2024 GOP frontrunner Donald Trump celebrated Romney’s retirement, writing, "fantastic news for America, the great state of Utah, & for the Republican Party."

"Mitt Romney, sometimes referred to as Pierre Delecto, will not be seeking a second term in the US Senate, where he did not serve with distinction. A big primary fight against him was in the offing, but now that will not be necessary. Congrats to all. Make America great again!"

Romney notably voted to impeach Trump in 2020 and in 2021, being one of the only Republicans to do so.

This is a breaking story and will be updated.