House Speaker Brad Wilson speaking after the morning session finished on the last day of the 2022 legislative session. Wilson announced on Thursday, April 13, 2023, that he is forming an exploratory committee regarding a possible run for the U.S. Senate in 2024. Photo: Paul Nelson
SALT LAKE CITY — Could the Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives Brad Wilson be eyeing a run for a seat in the U.S. Senate?
On Thursday, Speaker Wilson (R-Kaysville) announced he is forming an exploratory committee as he decides on a run for Senate in 2024. It’s a seat currently held by Sen. Mitt Romney.
Wilson joined Inside Sources on Thursday with guest host Marty Carpenter to talk about why he’s considering a run.
Carpenter opened the conversation by asking, “Why are you considering a run for the United States Senate?”
“I think we all know that Washington needs to be more like Utah,” he said.
As speaker, Wilson says he has done everything to keep government small. And that has included the reduction of taxes by more than $1 billion in the last few years.
“And we need to have a fighter back there,” Wilson said. “That’s going to get things done the way we do things here.”
Carpenter asked, “How does Mitt Romney’s intention to run for re-election or not run for re-election impact your exploratory committee progresses?”
“I don’t view that the seat I have belongs to me,” Wilson said. “I view that it belongs to the people that I represent. And our U.S. Senate seat belongs to all the citizens of the state of Utah. And so, as I explore this over the next few months, the coming months, I’m going to go out and listen to what the people of the state of Utah are looking for.”
From there, Wilson says he will make a decision. He says the decision will be one that is in the best interest of both the state and his family.
Wilson says a decision on whether to run or not for the U.S. Senate could come in the next six or seven months.
Carpenter asked Wilson what he has learned as House Speaker that can help him serve as a U.S. Senator?
“I have a good understanding of what the needs of the state are,” Wilson said. “It is the best part actually of being Speaker of the House as you get to know what those issues are. And I think translating into what can best serve the citizens of the state of Utah in D.C. is one of the unique positions that I might have if I choose to run.”
Listen to the entire segment.
Inside Sources with Boyd Matheson can be heard on weekdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
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