WASHINGTON — Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, announced Tuesday that he will retire at the end of his term this year, ending months of speculation about the political future of the longest-serving Republican in the Senate.
“Every good fighter knows when to hang up the gloves. And for me that time is soon approaching,” Hatch, a former amateur boxer, said in a video posted online. “That’s why, after much prayer and discussion with family and friends, I’ve decided to retire at the end of this term.”
An announcement from Senator Orrin G. Hatch. #utpol pic.twitter.com/UeItaLjR3j
— Senator Hatch Office (@senorrinhatch) January 2, 2018