In a heartfelt farewell address delivered on the Senate floor, Senator Mitt Romney reflected on his six years representing Utah, offering praise to colleagues across the political spectrum and urging a renewed commitment to unity, integrity, and civic responsibility. Calling his time in the Senate “an honor,” Romney expressed genuine admiration for his fellow lawmakers, both Republican and Democrat.
“I have been surprised by how much I like the other senators, on both sides of the aisle,” Romney, 77, said with a warm smile. Throughout his term, he became known not only for his bipartisan approach but for his moral conviction and collaborative spirit. His leadership in crafting key legislation—from COVID relief to infrastructure and electoral reform—won respect from colleagues and constituents alike.
Romney’s farewell was attended by roughly two dozen senators, including several from the original bipartisan “Group of Ten”—a coalition that had worked together on major bills. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell praised Romney for his “uncompromising honesty and evident devotion to faith,” while Senator Cory Booker called him “a great American patriot.” Independent Senator Joe Manchin added that his friendship with Romney had made him “a better person.”
Romney took time in his speech to personally acknowledge many of those who had supported him throughout his public life. He requested that the names of his staff, political advisers, and campaign team be entered into the Senate record. He also paid tribute to his wife, Ann, calling her the “love of my life” and his “most trusted adviser.” Seated in the gallery with three of their sons and several grandchildren, Ann beamed with pride.
Reflecting on his early days in the Senate, Romney admitted it took time to find his footing. “I was mostly on my own, and thus mostly unproductive,” he said. That changed when Senator Lisa Murkowski invited him to a socially-distanced dinner at the height of the pandemic. What began as a casual gathering soon became a working group focused on bridging the gap between Congress and the White House over COVID relief. By December 2020, the group had crafted legislation that President Trump signed into law.
Romney credited this coalition—Murkowski, Manchin, Portman, Sinema, Collins, Warner, Tester, Cassidy, and Shaheen—with proving that compromise is not only possible but productive. “What we could never have done alone, we achieved together,” he said. “Each of us came to Washington to pass laws that would benefit people, and that’s exactly what we did.”
While he won’t miss every aspect of the Senate—particularly the procedural tedium of countless votes—Romney said he would dearly miss his colleagues. “Among you are some brilliant, some entertaining, some kind and generous, and all patriotic,” he said. “Being able to serve alongside you is an honor.”
His remarks were met with a standing ovation. Senators lined up afterward to shake his hand, offer hugs, and share personal goodbyes. Senator-elect John Curtis, who will take over Romney’s seat in January, watched the speech from the chamber floor. Notably absent was Romney’s fellow Utah senator, Mike Lee, who later issued a brief written statement thanking Romney for his service and wishing him well.
Romney also used his address to praise the people of Utah. “It’s not just the stunning landscapes or vibrant economy that define Utah,” he said. “It’s the character of its people.” While acknowledging that not all of his legislative hopes had come to fruition, Romney said he leaves the Senate with “a sense of achievement.”
However, he warned of pressing challenges ahead—particularly the mounting national debt. “Our national credit card is nearly maxed out,” he cautioned, blaming partisan politics for blocking necessary reforms. “America risks becoming debt-poor.”
He concluded with a call for unity and decency, denouncing those who sow division or undermine the nation’s core values. “A nation’s character is a reflection of its people as well as its elected officials,” he said. “God will continue to bless America only if the American people deserve His kindness. I leave Washington to be one of them—hoping to be a voice of unity and virtue.”
As he exited the chamber, surrounded by warm embraces and applause, Senator Mitt Romney left behind more than just a political career—he left a legacy of principle, cooperation, and quiet strength.