President Trump congratulated Mitt Romney Tuesday night on his convincing GOP primary win over Mike Kennedy for the U.S. Senate seat in Utah, soon to be vacated by Republican Orrin Hatch.
“Big and conclusive win by Mitt Romney. Congratulations! I look forward to working together – there is so much good to do. A great and loving family will be coming to D.C.,” Trump tweeted late Tuesday night.
[Also read: In Mitt Romney’s advance toward Senate, parallels with Hillary Clinton]
Big and conclusive win by Mitt Romney. Congratulations! I look forward to working together – there is so much good to do. A great and loving family will be coming to D.C.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 27, 2018
Romney was the heavy favorite heading into Tuesday night’s primary election and won overwhelmingly. The former Massachusetts governor led with nearly 73 percent support to 27 percent for Kennedy with 88 percent of precincts reporting.
Romney has had a roller coaster relationship with the president, including his decision to call Trump a “phony” and a “fraud” during the 2016 GOP presidential primary and deciding against endorsing him in the general. Still, Trump briefly talked to Romney about possibly serving as secretary of state before eventually handing the job to Rex Tillerson.
Following the secretary of state discussions, Romney has spoken more highly of the president and has praised him for a number of actions, including personnel moves. Since announcing his campaign, Romney has tried to walk a fine line with Trump, agreeing with some of his moves, particularly on domestic policy, but giving outspoken criticism on occasion.
Additionally, Trump endorsed Romney shortly after his Senate announcement. Romney is running to replace longtime Hatch who is retiring at the conclusion of his seventh term in the upper chamber.
