If you’re looking for a simple name to put on a bumper sticker, you’re probably going to be disappointed. Politics is rarely that tidy anymore. Especially not for Mitt Romney. The man who once stood as the face of the Republican Party in 2012 has spent the last few years in a kind of political purgatory. He’s the guy who doesn't quite fit into the modern GOP, but he isn't exactly jumping ship to become a Democrat either.
Honestly, the question of who does Mitt Romney endorse is one of the most frequent searches for anyone trying to navigate the messy middle of American politics. But here is the thing: Romney has been very vocal about the fact that he isn't handing out endorsements like candy. In fact, he famously called his own endorsement a "kiss of death" in the current political climate.
Think about that for a second. The former standard-bearer of a major party thinks his public support would actually hurt a candidate. It’s a wild reality to live in.
The "Kiss of Death" Strategy
During an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, Romney was blunt. He basically said that because he’s seen as a "RINO" (Republican In Name Only) by the MAGA wing of the party, his support is a liability for anyone trying to win a primary.
"If I endorsed them, it would be the kiss of death," he said.
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He even joked that maybe he should endorse the people he dislikes the most just to tank their campaigns. It’s funny, sure, but it also shows how isolated he feels. He spent 2024 mostly sitting on the sidelines of the Republican primary, though he did give some "attaboys" to Chris Christie and Nikki Haley. He liked that Christie was willing to take the fight directly to Donald Trump. He thought Haley had a real shot. But an official, formal endorsement? Never happened.
Who Does Mitt Romney Endorse for President?
When it comes to the general election, the answer is even more complicated. If you're asking who does Mitt Romney endorse between Donald Trump and Joe Biden (or later, Kamala Harris), the answer is basically "none of the above."
Romney has been crystal clear about one thing: he will not vote for Donald Trump. Ever. He’s the only Senator in history to vote to convict a president of his own party in two separate impeachment trials. He’s cited "character" as his number one reason. To Romney, policy matters, but the moral fiber of the person in the Oval Office is what keeps the country from falling apart.
But does that mean he's a Biden or Harris fan? Not really.
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He’s consistently criticized the Biden administration on spending, the national debt, and foreign policy. While he didn't rule out voting for Biden in early 2024, he never officially endorsed him. He’s a man without a home. In past elections, like 2016, he admitted to writing in his wife’s name or voting for a third party. It’s likely he’s sticking to that "write-in" tradition.
The Joe Manchin "What If"
There was a moment where it looked like we might get a Romney-adjacent ticket. He’s on the record saying he wished Joe Manchin would have been the Democratic nominee. He even toyed with the idea of a centrist third-party ticket with Manchin.
They talked about it. They had meetings. They basically wanted a "no-nonsense" party that would focus on the debt and global stability. Ultimately, it didn't go anywhere. Manchin decided not to run, and Romney decided to retire from the Senate.
Why Romney's Non-Endorsement Still Matters
You might think a guy who isn't endorsing anyone is irrelevant. You'd be wrong. Romney represents a specific slice of the electorate: the college-educated, suburban Republicans who feel alienated by the current direction of the party. These are the "swing" voters who actually decide elections in states like Pennsylvania or Arizona.
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By refusing to endorse the GOP nominee, Romney is essentially giving these voters "permission" to skip the top of the ticket or look elsewhere. It's a passive-aggressive form of influence. He isn't telling you who to vote for; he’s just telling you who he can't vote for.
What’s Next for the Romney Legacy?
Now that he’s officially retired from the Senate as of early 2025, Romney is focusing on what he calls the "next generation." He’s worried about:
- The rising national debt (his favorite topic).
- The emergence of AI and how it changes the workforce.
- The threat of authoritarianism globally.
- Climate change.
He’s basically said that the "Boomer" generation of politicians needs to step aside. He’s practicing what he preaches. By not seeking reelection in Utah, he cleared the way for younger leaders, though it’s debatable if the people replacing him will share his moderate sensibilities.
Actionable Insights for the Politically Homeless
If you find yourself aligned with Romney’s "character over party" stance, here is how you can stay engaged without feeling like you're yelling into a void:
- Focus on Down-Ballot Races: Romney has endorsed smaller-scale candidates in the past, like Stewart Peay in Utah. These local and state-level races often have a bigger impact on your daily life than the presidency.
- Support Non-Partisan Reform: Romney has expressed interest in things like ranked-choice voting and open primaries. Supporting organizations like FairVote can help change the system that produces candidates you don't like.
- Primary Participation: Don't skip the primaries. Romney’s biggest complaint is that only the "most angry" 10% of voters show up for primaries, which leads to extremist candidates.
- Demand Fiscal Responsibility: Regardless of who is in power, the debt is growing. Stay informed on the CBO (Congressional Budget Office) reports to see how policy actually affects the bottom line.
Romney might not be giving you a name to check on a ballot, but he's definitely giving a roadmap for how he thinks a "principled conservative" should behave in a world that feels increasingly unprincipled. It's not the most satisfying answer, but it's the most honest one.