Josh Romney ‘strongly considering’ Utah governor run

Josh Romney, the son of 2012 GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney, is seriously weighing a bid for Utah’s governorship in 2020. 

“Running for governor in 2020 is definitely something I am strongly considering,” he said Monday, according to The Deseret News. “[I have] consistently been asked by others to consider running for political office.”

{mosads}“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.”

Josh Romney added Monday that he is currently focused on helping re-elect Gov. Gary Herbert (R-Utah) in 2016 for what will likely be his last term.

Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) said last weekend that he is also intrigued by possibly replacing the current governor in 2020.

“I am not going to be here forever,” said Chaffetz, the House Oversight Committee Chairman, during an interview last Sunday.

“I would take a serious, serious, look at running for governor. I want to go as hard and fast as I can in the House and then go home.”

Chaffetz must relinquish his Oversight Committee gavel in 2020 because of term limits in Congress. He also said last weekend that he is not interested in replacing Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) once he retires.

Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox (R-Utah), another possible 2020 gubernatorial contender, said Monday that Chaffetz’s overtures 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 told The Deseret News. “That’s something I don’t think Utahans are ready for. 2020 is a long time away and a lot can happen.”