"Willard Mitt Romney is a prominent figure in American politics. A Republican, he has served as a U.S. Senator, the Governor of Massachusetts, and was the party's presidential nominee in 2012. His career also includes a successful run in business."
March 12, 1947: Birth
Mitt Romney was born on March 12, 1947.
1953: Family Moved to Bloomfield Hills
Mitt Romney's family moved from Detroit to the affluent suburb of Bloomfield Hills in 1953.
1959: Father Became Nationally Known Figure
Mitt Romney's father became a nationally known figure in 1959.
1960: Romney echoes John F. Kennedy's speech
In his "Faith in America" speech, Mitt Romney echoed the sentiment of Senator John F. Kennedy's famous speech during his 1960 presidential campaign, stating that he would not prioritize any church doctrine over his duties in office and the law.
1962: Participated in Father's Gubernatorial Campaign
Mitt Romney participated in his father's successful 1962 Michigan gubernatorial campaign.
June 1965: Graduated High School and Became Engaged
Mitt Romney graduated from Cranbrook School in June 1965 and became informally engaged to Ann Davies around the same time.
1965: Attended Stanford University
Mitt Romney attended Stanford University in the 1965–1966 academic year.
May 1966: Counterprotested Against Vietnam War Protestors
Mitt Romney joined a counterprotest against a group demonstrating against draft status tests at Stanford University in May 1966.
July 1966: Began Mormon Mission in France
Mitt Romney began a 30-month stint as a Mormon missionary in France in July 1966.
May 1968: Mission Impacted by General Strike
Mitt Romney's mission in France was impacted by the May 1968 general strike and student uprisings.
June 1968: Car Accident in France
Mitt Romney was seriously injured in a car accident in June 1968 while driving in southern France. The crash killed one of his passengers, the wife of the mission president.
December 1968: End of Mormon Mission in France
Mitt Romney's Mormon mission in France ended in December 1968.
1968: Became Zone Leader and Assistant to Mission President
Mitt Romney became a zone leader in Bordeaux, France, in early 1968 and later became an assistant to the mission president in Paris.
March 21, 1969: Marriage to Ann Davies
On March 21, 1969, Mitt Romney and Ann Davies were married in a civil ceremony in Bloomfield Hills. A Mormon ceremony at Salt Lake City followed the next day.
1969: Marriage
Mitt Romney married Ann Davies in 1969.
1970: Birth of Taggart Romney
Taggart Romney, Mitt and Ann's first son, was born in 1970 while the couple were attending Brigham Young University and living in a basement apartment.
1971: Graduation from BYU
Mitt Romney graduated from Brigham Young University in 1971, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He graduated with a GPA of 3.97 and delivered commencement speeches to both the College of Humanities and the entire graduating class.
1971: Brigham Young University Graduation and Political Involvement
In 1971, Mitt Romney graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Brigham Young University and participated in the political campaigns of both his parents.
1971: Birth of Matthew Romney
In 1971, Mitt and Ann Romney welcomed their second son, Matthew Romney.
1975: Birth of Joshua Romney
Joshua Romney, the third son of Mitt and Ann Romney, was born in 1975.
1975: Graduation from Harvard
Mitt Romney graduated from Harvard in 1975, completing a joint Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration program. He earned the distinction of Baker Scholar from the business school, graduating in the top 5% of his class, and received his Juris Doctor degree cum laude from the law school, ranking in the top third of his class.
1975: Harvard Graduation
Mitt Romney received a JD–MBA degree from Harvard in 1975.
1977: Joining Bain & Company
In 1977, Mitt Romney started working at Bain & Company, a management consulting firm established a few years prior. Even at 30 years old, Bill Bain said Romney "had the appearance of confidence of a guy who was maybe 10 years older."
1977: Counselor to the President of the Boston Stake
Mitt Romney became a counselor to the president of the Boston Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1977.
1977: Joined Bain & Company
Mitt Romney joined Bain & Company in Boston in 1977 as a management consultant.
1978: Birth of Benjamin Romney
Benjamin Romney, Mitt and Ann's fourth son, was born in 1978.
1978: Promotion to Vice President
Mitt Romney's career at Bain & Company progressed quickly. In 1978, he was promoted to vice president, working with clients such as the Monsanto Company, Outboard Marine Corporation, Burlington Industries, and Corning Incorporated. He was considered one of the firm's top consultants within a few years.
1981: Birth of Craig Romney
Mitt and Ann Romney's fifth and youngest son, Craig Romney, was born in 1981.
1981: Incident with Park Ranger
In 1981, Mitt Romney had a run-in with a park ranger over a motorboat license number visibility issue. Romney disagreed with the ranger's assessment and proceeded to take his boat out on the lake anyway, resulting in his arrest for disorderly conduct. The charges were later dropped.
1981: Bishop of the Ward in Belmont, Massachusetts
Mitt Romney served as the bishop of the ward in Belmont, Massachusetts, from 1981 to 1986, leading the congregation and overseeing church matters.
1983: Dog on Car Roof Incident
During a 12-hour family road trip in 1983, Mitt Romney secured the family dog in a carrier on the roof of their car. After the dog experienced diarrhea, Romney washed the car and the carrier with the dog still inside.
1984: Belmont Meetinghouse Fire
Following a fire that destroyed the Belmont meetinghouse in 1984, Mitt Romney worked to secure alternative worship spaces for the congregation while the building was reconstructed.
1984: Co-founding Bain Capital
In 1984, Mitt Romney left Bain & Company to establish a spin-off private equity investment firm, Bain Capital, with Bill Bain. After some initial reluctance due to potential financial risks, Romney agreed to head the new venture when Bain restructured the partnership to mitigate those risks. The firm launched with $37 million in funding, seven employees, and Romney as president and managing general partner.
1984: Co-founded Bain Capital
Mitt Romney co-founded and led Bain Capital, a private equity investment firm, in 1984.
1986: Investment in Staples Inc.
In 1986, Bain Capital, under Romney's leadership, made its first major investment in an office supply company called Staples Inc. Romney was convinced by the founder, Thomas G. Stemberg, of the market potential for office supplies, which led to a nearly sevenfold return on investment for Bain Capital.
1986: President of the Boston Stake
Mitt Romney became president of the Boston Stake, encompassing several wards and thousands of church members, in 1986.
1986: End of Service as Bishop
Mitt Romney concluded his service as bishop of the ward in Belmont, Massachusetts, in 1986.
1990: Bain & Company's Request
In 1990, Bain & Company, facing financial difficulties, asked Mitt Romney to return to the company.
January 1991: CEO of Bain & Company
In January 1991, Mitt Romney became the CEO of Bain & Company, which was facing financial struggles. He took a symbolic salary of one dollar and worked to restructure the company's finances and operations.
December 1992: Return to Bain Capital
After successfully leading Bain & Company back to profitability, Mitt Romney returned to Bain Capital in December 1992.
1992: Voted in the Democratic Primaries
Mitt Romney, registered as an Independent, voted in the 1992 presidential primaries, supporting Paul Tsongas, a former Democratic senator.
October 1993: Changed Political Affiliation to Republican
Mitt Romney changed his political affiliation from Independent to Republican in October 1993, marking his more formal entry into Republican politics.
November 1993: Leave of Absence from Bain Capital
Mitt Romney took a leave of absence from Bain Capital in November 1993 to run for the U.S. Senate.
February 1994: Announcement of Candidacy for U.S. Senate
In February 1994, Mitt Romney formally announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, challenging the incumbent, Ted Kennedy.
May 1994: Victory at the Massachusetts Republican Party Convention
Mitt Romney secured a significant victory at the Massachusetts Republican Party Convention in May 1994, winning 68% of the vote and solidifying his position as a frontrunner.
September 1994: Shifting Political Stances and Campaign Challenges
During his 1994 Senate campaign, Mitt Romney faced scrutiny over his shifting political positions on issues such as abortion. Despite early momentum, his campaign lost ground due to attacks from his opponent, Ted Kennedy.
September 1994: Victory in the Republican Primary
Mitt Romney won the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate in September 1994, defeating John Lakian with over 80% of the vote.
November 1994: End of Leave of Absence
Mitt Romney's leave of absence from Bain Capital ended in November 1994 after his unsuccessful run for the U.S. Senate.
1994: End of Term as President of the Boston Stake
Mitt Romney's term as president of the Boston Stake ended in 1994 as he transitioned into a more prominent role in politics.
1994: Republican Nominee for U.S. Senate
Mitt Romney was the Republican nominee in the 1994 United States Senate election in Massachusetts but lost to incumbent Ted Kennedy.
1994: Romney Supports Safe and Legal Abortion
During his 1994 Senate campaign, Romney expressed his belief in abortion being safe and legal.
1995: Donation to BYU and Involvement with Points of Light Foundation
Following his father's death in 1995, Mitt Romney donated his inheritance to Brigham Young University and became the vice-chair of the Points of Light Foundation.
1998: Ann Romney Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis
In 1998, Ann Romney was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This was a difficult time for the Romney family, with Mitt describing watching her fail neurological tests as the worst day of his life.
February 11, 1999: President and CEO of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee
On February 11, 1999, Mitt Romney was hired as the president and CEO of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games of 2002.
February 1999: President and CEO of the Salt Lake City Olympic Games
In February 1999, Mitt Romney took a leave of absence from Bain Capital to become the president and CEO of the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Games Organizing Committee.
1999: Bain Capital's Success
By 1999, Bain Capital, under Mitt Romney's leadership, had become a leading private equity firm with substantial assets and impressive returns on investments.
August 2001: Announcement of Departure from Bain Capital
Mitt Romney announced in August 2001 that he would not be returning to Bain Capital.
March 19, 2002: Mitt Romney Announces Candidacy for Governor of Massachusetts
On March 19, 2002, shortly after Acting Governor Jane Swift announced she would not seek re-election, Mitt Romney declared his candidacy for Governor of Massachusetts.
June 2002: Residency Challenged in Gubernatorial Race
In June 2002, the Massachusetts Democratic Party challenged Romney's eligibility to run for governor due to his residency status, citing his filing of state tax returns as a Utah resident in 1999 and 2000.
November 5, 2002: Mitt Romney Elected Governor of Massachusetts
On November 5, 2002, Mitt Romney won the Massachusetts gubernatorial election with 50% of the vote, defeating Democratic opponent Shannon O'Brien.
2002: Romney Named One of People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People
Romney was recognized as one of People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People in 2002.
2002: President and CEO of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee
Mitt Romney served as president and CEO of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the 2002 Winter Olympics.
2002: Romney Reiterates Stance on Abortion
Romney reiterated his stance supporting safe and legal abortion during his 2002 campaign for governor.
2002: Separation from Bain Capital
Mitt Romney's separation from Bain Capital was finalized in early 2002, with him transferring his ownership and negotiating an agreement for future profit sharing.
2002: Romney's campaign emphasizes his business career and stewardship of the Olympics
Mitt Romney's campaign for president emphasized his highly successful career in business and his leadership during the 2002 Olympics.
2002: Conclusion of Role with the Olympics
Mitt Romney concluded his role as the president and CEO of the Salt Lake City Olympic Games Organizing Committee in 2002.
January 2, 2003: Mitt Romney Sworn in as Governor of Massachusetts
Mitt Romney was sworn in as the 70th governor of Massachusetts on January 2, 2003, facing a state legislature with large Democratic majorities.
November 2003: Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court rules on same-sex marriage
In November 2003, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court issued its decision in the case of Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, which required the state to recognize same-sex marriages.
2003: Governor of Massachusetts
Mitt Romney became the 70th governor of Massachusetts in 2003.
2003: Romney's approval rating at 61%
Mitt Romney's approval rating was at 61% after his initial fiscal actions in 2003.
February 2004: Romney backs state constitutional amendment on same-sex marriage
In February 2004, Mitt Romney, reluctant to defy the Supreme Judicial Court's ruling but opposed to same-sex marriage, backed a state constitutional amendment that would have banned those marriages while permitting civil unions.
May 2004: Romney instructs town clerks to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples
In May 2004, following the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's decision, Mitt Romney instructed town clerks to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
2004: Romney's efforts to strengthen the state Republican Party
In 2004, Mitt Romney dedicated significant effort towards bolstering the Massachusetts Republican Party.
2004: Publication of "Turnaround: Crisis, Leadership, and the Olympic Games"
In 2004, Mitt Romney published "Turnaround: Crisis, Leadership, and the Olympic Games," a book about his experience leading the 2002 Winter Olympics.
2004: Romney Receives Inaugural Truce Ideal Award
In 2004, Romney was honored with the inaugural Truce Ideal Award from a foundation promoting the Olympic truce.
2004: Development of Massachusetts Health Care Reform
In late 2004, Governor Romney and a team of advisors began developing a health insurance reform plan for Massachusetts. The goal was to create a system that provided near-universal coverage without raising taxes.
June 2005: Romney abandons support for compromise amendment on same-sex marriage
In June 2005, Mitt Romney abandoned his support for the compromise amendment regarding same-sex marriage, believing it caused confusion among voters.
December 14, 2005: Romney announces he will not seek re-election as governor
On December 14, 2005, Mitt Romney announced that he would not seek re-election as governor of Massachusetts, with his sights set on a presidential run.
December 2005: Romney withdraws Massachusetts from Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
After two years of negotiating the state's participation, Mitt Romney pulled Massachusetts out of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative in December 2005, shortly before its signing.
2005: Romney Awarded Cranbrook School's Distinguished Alumni Award
Romney received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Cranbrook School in 2005.
2005: Romney Declares as "Pro-Life"
In 2005, Romney adopted a "pro-life" stance, stating his belief that abortion is wrong except in cases of incest, rape, or to save the mother's life.
2005: Romney shifts stance on abortion
In 2005, Mitt Romney revealed a change in his stance on abortion, moving away from the abortion rights positions he held during his 1994 and 2002 campaigns to an anti-abortion position, opposing Roe v. Wade.
April 12, 2006: "Romneycare" Signed into Law
On April 12, 2006, Mitt Romney signed into law a health care reform bill, commonly known as "Romneycare." The landmark legislation required nearly all Massachusetts residents to obtain health insurance coverage or face penalties.
November 2006: Romney's approval rating stands at 34%
In November 2006, Mitt Romney's approval rating stood at 34%, ranking him 48th out of the 50 U.S. governors.
2006: Romney's preparations for his presidential run
As chair of the Republican Governors Association, Mitt Romney traveled across the country in 2006, meeting with prominent Republicans and building a national political network in preparation for his presidential campaign.
2006: End of Governorship and Focus on Presidential Campaign
Mitt Romney did not seek reelection as governor of Massachusetts in 2006, choosing to focus on his campaign for the Republican nomination in the 2008 U.S. presidential election.
2006: Romney responds to Big Dig project crisis
Mitt Romney responded to a public crisis of confidence in Boston's Big Dig project following a fatal ceiling collapse in 2006. He took control of the project from the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority.
2006: Romney urges U.S. Senate to vote for the Federal Marriage Amendment
Mitt Romney urged the U.S. Senate to vote for the Federal Marriage Amendment in 2006.
January 4, 2007: Romney's term as governor ends
Mitt Romney's term as governor of Massachusetts ended on January 4, 2007.
February 13, 2007: Romney announces candidacy for president
Mitt Romney formally announced his candidacy for the 2008 Republican nomination for president on February 13, 2007, in Dearborn, Michigan.
December 6, 2007: Romney delivers "Faith in America" speech
On December 6, 2007, Mitt Romney delivered his "Faith in America" speech, addressing the persistent questions about the role of his Mormon faith in his life and campaign.
2007: Romney's campaign for the Republican nomination
For the first half of 2007, Mitt Romney hovered around 10% support in Republican preference polls. Despite proving to be the most effective fundraiser, his campaign suffered from internal conflicts and his own indecisiveness.
2007: Romney's Comments on Layoffs
In 2007, Mitt Romney addressed the layoffs that sometimes resulted from Bain Capital's leveraged buyouts. He defended the job losses by stating, "Sometimes the medicine is a little bitter but it is necessary to save the life of the patient. My job was to try and make the enterprise successful, and in my view the best security a family can have is that the business they work for is strong."
2007: End of Governorship
Mitt Romney's term as governor of Massachusetts ended in 2007.
January 3, 2008: Iowa Republican caucuses
On January 3, 2008, the Iowa Republican caucuses were held, marking the beginning of the presidential nomination process. Romney placed second, losing to Huckabee, who had strong support from evangelical Christian voters.
2008: Recurring Criticism
The revival of flip-flopping accusations from the 2008 campaign highlighted a persistent challenge for Romney in his pursuit of the presidency. These accusations centered on his perceived shifts in political positions over time.
2008: Romney and Wife Receive Canterbury Medal
Romney and his wife, Ann, were jointly awarded the Canterbury Medal by The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty in 2008 for their unwavering commitment to their principles and faith during the presidential campaign.
2008: Lost Republican Nomination for President
Mitt Romney lost the Republican nomination for president to Senator John McCain in 2008.
2008: Ann Romney's Health
In late 2008, Ann Romney received a diagnosis of mammary ductal carcinoma in situ, a type of breast cancer. She underwent a lumpectomy as part of her treatment.
2008: Perceived Presidential Aspirations
Following the 2008 election, Romney's actions, such as forming an exploratory committee in 2011, led to observations that he had been effectively running for president since the conclusion of the previous election cycle.
2008: Post-Election Activities
Following the 2008 election, Romney started preparing for a potential 2012 presidential campaign. He used his political action committee (PAC), Free and Strong America, to raise funds for other Republicans and cover his political staff's expenses.
2008: Troubled Asset Relief Program
In 2008, in response to the financial crisis, the Bush administration implemented the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Romney expressed support for this program, believing it helped prevent a collapse of the U.S. financial system.
2009: Relocation and Real Estate Transactions
In 2009, the Romneys sold their main residence in Belmont and a ski chalet in Utah. This left them with an estate in New Hampshire and an oceanfront property in California, purchased the year prior. The California home was conveniently located for Ann Romney's multiple sclerosis treatments and recovery from her late 2008 breast cancer diagnosis.
January 2010: Political Predictions and Campaigning
A January 2010 survey of political insiders revealed that a majority of Republican insiders and a plurality of Democratic insiders predicted Romney would be the Republican nominee for the 2012 presidential election. During the 2010 midterm elections, Romney actively campaigned for Republican candidates, raising more funds than any other potential Republican presidential candidate.
February 2010: Altercation with Sky Blu
In February 2010, Romney had a minor altercation with Skyler Gordy, known as Sky Blu, a member of the music duo LMFAO, while on an airplane flight.
March 2010: Publication of "No Apology: The Case for American Greatness"
Romney's book, "No Apology: The Case for American Greatness," was published in March 2010. He embarked on an 18-state tour to promote the book, which focused on his belief in American exceptionalism and presented his economic and geopolitical views.
March 2010: Criticism of the Affordable Care Act
Immediately following the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) in March 2010, Romney strongly criticized the healthcare law, calling for its repeal and labeling it an "unconscionable abuse of power." He drew criticism for his stance, as the ACA shared similarities with the healthcare reform he implemented as Governor of Massachusetts.
2010: U.S. automotive industry crisis
During the U.S. automotive industry crisis from 2008 to 2010, Romney opposed a direct government bailout of the industry. He instead argued for a managed bankruptcy of struggling companies, supported by federal guarantees for post-bankruptcy financing from the private sector.
April 11, 2011: Formation of Exploratory Committee
Romney announced the formation of an exploratory committee for a potential run for the Republican presidential nomination on April 11, 2011. This announcement, made through a video recorded at the University of New Hampshire, signaled his serious intentions to seek the presidency.
June 2, 2011: Formal Campaign Announcement
On June 2, 2011, Romney formally launched his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. Speaking from a farm in Stratham, New Hampshire, he centered his message on the economy and criticized President Obama's economic policies.
July 2011
In July 2011, Romney created a secret Twitter account under the alias "Pierre Delecto".
September 2011: Rick Perry's Surge
In September 2011, Rick Perry, who had entered the Republican presidential race the previous month, experienced a surge in the polls, posing a significant challenge to Romney's frontrunner status. Perry and Romney engaged in heated exchanges during a series of debates.
October 2011: Palin and Christie's Decisions
The decisions of Sarah Palin and Chris Christie not to run for president in October 2011 had a notable impact on the Republican primary race. These decisions effectively narrowed the field of candidates, potentially benefiting Romney.
November 2011: Addressing Flip-Flopping Accusations
As accusations of flip-flopping resurfaced from his 2008 campaign, Romney addressed the criticism in November 2011, stating that he had been "as consistent as human beings can be." This statement aimed to counter perceptions of inconsistency in his political positions.
2011: Image Shift and Campaign Preparations
By early 2011, Romney began presenting a more relaxed image, opting for more casual attire. This shift coincided with his preparations for a potential 2012 presidential run.
July 2012: International Visit and Controversial Remarks
In July 2012, Romney sought to bolster his foreign policy credentials with visits to the UK, Israel, and Poland. However, his remarks on the London Olympics preparations drew criticism in the British press. While warmly received by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, his comments linking Israeli culture to economic success sparked controversy among Palestinians.
August 11, 2012: Paul Ryan Selected as Running Mate
Romney chose Wisconsin Representative Paul Ryan as his vice-presidential running mate on August 11, 2012.
August 28, 2012: Republican Presidential Nomination
At the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida on August 28, 2012, Romney secured the party's nomination for president, becoming the first-ever Mormon to achieve this for a major party.
December 2012: Return to Marriott International Board
Romney rejoined the board of directors at Marriott International in December 2012, marking his third stint with the company.
2012: Republican Nominee for President
Mitt Romney was the Republican Party's nominee for president of the United States in the 2012 election, but lost to Barack Obama.
2012: Potential 2012 Republican Nominee
Romney's activities in 2010, including his fundraising efforts and campaigning for other Republicans, positioned him as a potential frontrunner for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.
2012: New Home Purchases and Family Life
Following the 2012 election, the Romneys purchased a home in Deer Valley, Utah, and property in Holladay, Utah, for a new home construction. They also proceeded with plans to replace their La Jolla residence with a larger one.
2012: Preparing for 2012 Election
Romney's post-2008 activities were geared towards laying the groundwork for a potential presidential run in 2012. He engaged in fundraising, delivered speeches, and aimed to avoid overexposure in the media.
2012: Time Magazine Recognizes Romney as One of the 100 Most Influential People
In 2012, Time magazine included Romney in their list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.
March 2013: Reflection on Election Loss and "47 Percent" Remark
In March 2013, Romney spoke about his election loss on Fox News Sunday, expressing regret over his "47 percent" remark and its negative impact on his campaign.
2013: Shifting Residence and Family Focus
The Romneys briefly owned five homes near their sons and families, reflecting their emphasis on family time. They later sold their Belmont condo and made Utah their primary residence.
July 2014: Hypothetical Rematch Polling
A July 2014 CNN poll indicated that Romney would have defeated Obama in a hypothetical election rematch.
August 2014: Speculation and Polling for 2016 Election
Amid a lack of a clear Republican frontrunner for the 2016 election, speculation arose about a potential third Romney run, fueled by polls showing his lead over other potential candidates and a hypothetical rematch against Obama.
2014: Reemergence in Politics and Midterm Elections
Contrary to expectations, Romney returned to the political scene in 2014, endorsing, campaigning for, and fundraising for several Republican candidates in the midterm elections, particularly those vying for Senate seats.
2014: "Mitt" Documentary Release
The documentary "Mitt," offering an intimate look at Romney's presidential campaigns and family life, was released in 2014 to positive reviews.
January 30, 2015: Announcement Not to Run in 2016
Romney declared on January 30, 2015, that he would not seek the presidency in 2016, believing that another Republican candidate would be better positioned for a general election victory.
March 3, 2016: Criticism of Donald Trump
In a notable speech at the Hinckley Institute of Politics on March 3, 2016, Romney delivered a sharp critique of Donald Trump's character, business dealings, and policies, calling him a "phony" and a "fraud." This unprecedented move marked a significant escalation in the Republican primary race.
2016: Did Not Vote for Trump
Mitt Romney did not vote for Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election.
2016: Considerations and Decision Against Running
Romney contemplated a presidential run in 2016, engaging with his network of supporters, but ultimately decided against it.
2016: Potential Third Presidential Run Considered
The lack of a clear mainstream Republican candidate for the 2016 election led to speculation about a potential third Romney presidential run.
February 2017
In February 2017, Romney stated that he believed Trump had a "very strong start" in fulfilling his campaign promises.
October 2017
In October 2017, press reports circulated that Romney would run for Orrin Hatch's soon-to-be-vacant Senate seat in 2018.
January 2, 2018
On January 2, 2018, Mitt Romney changed his Twitter location from Massachusetts to Holladay, Utah, fueling speculation that he was considering a run for Senate.
February 16, 2018
On February 16, 2018, Romney formally launched his campaign for Senate with a video posted on Facebook and Twitter.
April 21, 2018
On April 21, 2018, the state Republican nominating convention was held, with Romney receiving 49.1% of the delegate votes.
May 2018
In May 2018, Mitt Romney revealed that he cast a write-in vote for his wife, Ann Romney, in the 2016 presidential election.
2018: Elected U.S. Senator from Utah
Mitt Romney ran for and won the U.S. Senate seat in Utah in 2018.
2018
In 2018, Donald Trump endorsed Mitt Romney's campaign for the Senate.
October 2019
In October 2019, Romney revealed that he used a secret Twitter account to keep tabs on political conversation.
November 9, 2019
On November 9, 2019, Romney became one of three Republican senators to decline co-sponsorship of a resolution opposing the impeachment inquiry process into President Trump.
2019: U.S. Senator from Utah
Mitt Romney began serving as the junior United States senator from Utah in 2019.
February 5, 2020
On February 5, 2020, Romney became the sole Republican senator to vote to convict President Trump in his first impeachment trial.
June 7, 2020
On June 7, 2020, Romney became the first Republican senator to participate in a Black Lives Matter protest in response to the murder of George Floyd.
July 2020: Romney Condemns Trump's Decision to Commute Roger Stone's Sentence
In July 2020, Romney joined Senator Pat Toomey in condemning Trump's commutation of Roger Stone's sentence, deeming it an act of "unprecedented, historic corruption."
2020: Voted to Convict Trump in First Impeachment Trial
Mitt Romney was the only Republican senator to vote to convict Donald Trump in his first impeachment trial in 2020.
2020
In 2020, Romney did not endorse Trump for reelection and told reporters that he did not vote for him.
January 5, 2021
On January 5, 2021, Romney was heckled at the airport by Trump supporters for not supporting Trump's claims of election fraud.
January 13, 2021: Romney Votes Against Dismissing Trump's Impeachment Charge
Following the House's vote to impeach Trump for a second time on January 13, 2021, for "incitement of insurrection," Senator Rand Paul's motion to dismiss the charge was defeated. Romney was among the five Republicans who voted against the dismissal.
February 10, 2021: Video Footage Shows Romney Narrowly Avoiding Capitol Rioters
On February 10, 2021, newly released video footage from Trump's second impeachment trial revealed that Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman had steered Romney away from rioters, preventing a potential encounter. Expressing his distress over the violence, Romney stated his intent to thank Officer Goodman.
February 13, 2021: Romney Votes to Convict Trump in Second Impeachment Trial
On February 13, 2021, Romney joined five other Republican senators in voting to permit additional witnesses in Trump's second impeachment trial. This decision sparked a heated exchange with Senator Ron Johnson. Later that day, Romney voted to convict Trump, marking his second time doing so.
May 27, 2021: Romney Supports Bipartisan Commission to Investigate January 6 Attack
On May 27, 2021, Romney joined five other Republicans and all Democrats present in voting for the establishment of a bipartisan commission to investigate the January 6 attack on the Capitol. The vote failed to reach the required 60 "yes" votes.
2021
In 2021, Romney condemned the attack on the Capitol and Trump's role in inciting the violence, stating that "this is what the president has caused today, this insurrection!".
2021: Romney Honored with Profile in Courage Award
In 2021, Romney was bestowed with the Profile in Courage Award for his principled stance in being the sole member of his party to vote to convict Donald Trump in his first impeachment trial.
2021: Voted to Convict Trump in Second Impeachment Trial
Mitt Romney voted to convict Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial in 2021.
2023: Announcement Not to Seek Re-election
Mitt Romney announced in 2023 that he would not run for reelection to the Senate in 2024.
2024: Will Not Seek Re-election
Mitt Romney will not run for reelection to the Senate in 2024.
2025: Senate Term Ends
Mitt Romney's Senate term expires in 2025.