Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said Monday that he plans to run for re-election next year, in part because of encouragement from the White House.
“Right now, yes, I’m going to run,” Hatch said, adding he could change his mind “if my wife gets sick, or I get sick, or something like that.” The senator is 83.
Hatch informed KUTV in Salt Lake City of his plans Monday.
The remarks come days after The Atlantic reported that Mitt Romney was considering a run. Hatch recently suggested that if he retired, he would back Romney.
According to Hatch, President Trump’s November victory and subsequent encouragement were motivating him to run.
“Well, I think Donald Trump’s election,” Hatch said. “I’m right in the middle of everything there. He is all over me to run again.”
Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman had also been mentioned as a possibility to run for the seat if Hatch did not seek an eighth term in office.
