Mitt Romney's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A closer look at the biggest achievements of Mitt Romney. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.
Mitt Romney is an American businessman and former politician. He served as a U.S. Senator for Utah (2019-2025) and as the 70th Governor of Massachusetts (2003-2007). A member of the Republican Party, he was the party's nominee for President of the United States in 2012, losing to incumbent Barack Obama. Prior to his political career, Romney had a successful business career, including co-founding Bain Capital, a private equity investment firm.
1975: Graduated from Harvard
In 1975, Mitt Romney graduated from Harvard with a Juris Doctor degree cum laude and was named a Baker Scholar.
1986: Bain Capital's Investment in Staples
In 1986, Bain Capital made its first significant investment by helping to start Staples Inc., after Thomas G. Stemberg convinced Romney of the market size for office supplies. Bain Capital eventually reaped a nearly sevenfold return on its investment, and Romney sat on Staples's board of directors for over a decade.
January 1991: Romney Becomes CEO of Bain & Company
In January 1991, Romney became the CEO of Bain & Company, drawing a symbolic salary of one dollar, while remaining managing general partner of Bain Capital. He led an effort to restructure the company's finances and governance, bringing it back to profitability within about a year.
May 1994: Wins 68% of Vote at State Convention
In May 1994, Romney won 68% of the vote at the Massachusetts Republican Party convention, eliminating Janet Jeghelian.
September 1994: Wins Republican Primary
In September 1994, Romney defeated John Lakian in the Republican primary with more than 80% of the vote.
1999: Bain Capital's Growth
By 1999, Bain Capital had become a leading private equity firm, increasing its number of partners, employees, and assets under management, achieving high annual returns on investments.
November 5, 2002: Election Win
On November 5, 2002, Mitt Romney won the Massachusetts gubernatorial election with 50% of the vote, defeating Shannon O'Brien.
2002: People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People
In 2002, People magazine included Romney in its 50 Most Beautiful People list.
2004: Truce Ideal Award
In 2004, a foundation that promotes the Olympic truce gave Romney its inaugural Truce Ideal Award.
2005: Distinguished Alumni Award
In 2005, the Cranbrook School gave Romney its Distinguished Alumni Award.
April 12, 2006: Signing of "Romneycare"
On April 12, 2006, Mitt Romney signed the Massachusetts health reform law, commonly called "Romneycare", which required nearly all Massachusetts residents to buy health insurance coverage or face tax penalties.
2008: Canterbury Medal
In 2008, Romney and his wife Ann shared the Canterbury Medal from The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty for refusing to compromise their principles and faith during the presidential campaign.
2012: Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People
In 2012, Time magazine included Romney in their List of The 100 Most Influential People in the World.
2018: Elected to U.S. Senate
In 2018, Mitt Romney was elected to the U.S. Senate representing Utah.
February 5, 2020: Romney Voted to Convict Trump
On February 5, 2020, Mitt Romney broke with the Republican party and voted to convict President Trump in his first impeachment trial, becoming the first U.S. Senator to vote to convict a president of the same party.
February 13, 2021: Romney Voted to Convict Trump in Second Impeachment Trial
On February 13, 2021, Mitt Romney voted to convict Donald Trump for the second time along with six of his Republican colleagues.
2021: Profile in Courage Award
In 2021, Romney received the Profile in Courage Award for being the only member of his party to vote to convict Donald Trump during his first impeachment trial.
2024: Legislative Achievement Award
In 2024, Romney received the annual Legislative Achievement Award from the National Emergency Management Association for his efforts in creating the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission in Utah.
