Josh Romney, the son of 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, has a serious interest in running for Utah’s governorship in 2020.
“Running for governor in 2020 is definitely something I am strongly considering,” the 36-year-old said Monday, according to The Deseret News. “[I have] consistently been asked by others to consider running for political office.”
“What others do will not affect my decision-making process,” he added. “[I will decide] based on what the right thing to do is and the positive ideas and solutions I can offer for the future of Utah.”
Romney also revealed that he is helping reelect Republican Gov. Gary Herbert in 2016 for what will likely be his last term.
Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, and Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox, R-Utah, have also expressed interest in becoming 2020 gubernatorial contenders, according to reports.
Chaffetz has said he is not interested in running to replace Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, once he retires, and he also must relinquish his chairmanship of the House Oversight Committee in 2020 because of congressional term limits.
Cox told The Deseret News that Chaffetz’s intentions are premature.
“I hope he doesn’t bring the Washington, D.C., mentality of campaigning four and five years ahead of time for another job,” Cox said. “That’s something I don’t think Utahans are ready for. 2020 is a long time away and a lot can happen.”
