Former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney appears increasingly likely to launch a campaign if Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) calls it quits. | Getty Opening for Romney Senate bid gets wider

Utah Republican Boyd Matheson is forgoing a 2018 Senate campaign, a decision that further opens the door for Mitt Romney to run.

Matheson, a former chief of staff to Utah Sen. Mike Lee and the president of the conservative Sutherland Institute think tank, announced on Monday that he would not run for the seat currently held by longtime Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch, who is 83 and deciding whether to seek another term.


The prospect of a Matheson campaign had gained traction among conservatives. During a recent trip to Washington, Matheson met with former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon and President Donald Trump’s 2016 deputy campaign manager, David Bossie. He also received encouragement from an array of conservative outside groups.

But in a video released Monday, Matheson said he had chosen not to run, and that he would instead launch a new outside political group.

“I have decided that I will not seek a seat in the United States Senate,” he said. “Instead, I will focus my effort and attention on the desperate need in the nation for strengthening and building leaders while advancing real dialogue about the principles and policies that will create a better tomorrow for America.”

Matheson’s decision comes amid mounting speculation that Hatch will vacate the seat he has held since 1977. He is seen as likely to retire, though his advisers insist he hasn't decided.

Romney appears increasingly likely to launch a campaign if Hatch calls it quits. The 2012 GOP presidential nominee, who is currently residing in Utah, has been increasing his political activity in the state. Romney recently attended a Sutherland Institute gala and has been in touch with a number of key Republican players in the state, including Lee, the state’s junior senator.