SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Rep. John Curtis (R-Utah) said Thursday he is reconsidering his decision not to run for the U.S. Senate.

Curtis announced in October that he would remain in the House of Representatives and not run to replace Sen. Mitt Romney after he leaves office in January 2025. Just a few days earlier, Curtis had been widely expected to jump into the race after Romney said he would not seek a second term.

But just weeks after declining to run, things have apparently changed.

"The drumbeat from Utahns around the state asking me to reconsider my decision last month to stay out of the Senate race has been constant and consistent. These voices, getting louder, and more organized, are increasingly difficult to ignore," Curtis said in a statement to KUTV 2News. "Because so many Utahns have asked me to, I’m taking a fresh look. As part of that evaluation, I’m considering not only what is best for me and my family but what’s best for my current district and for our state. I’m counseling with friends, supporters, and my team."

Curtis added, "I’m proud of the results I’ve delivered for Utah during my 6 years in the House. I need to think about where I can be most effective."

If the congressman gets into the race for Senate, he would join a Republican field that's become more crowded as of late. Candidates include Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson, Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs, Roosevelt Mayor Rod Bird, former legislative candidate Carolyn Phippen, conservative activist Ty Jensen, and certified public accountant Josh Randall.

Romney said in September he will not run for re-election, citing a desire for a new generation of leaders to take over. He also bemoaned the state of the Republican Party in a new biography written by BYU graduate McKay Coppins.

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