Former Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) is open to running against Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) for his Senate seat in 2024.

Chaffetz shared that he is open to the option in a statement this week.

Utah Rep @jasoninthehouse isn't ruling out a run for Senate against @SenatorRomney.

It's “not something I am actively pursuing, but I am keeping all my doors open,” Chaffetz said.https://t.co/wGGrVMatGd

— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) February 24, 2023

The comments

It's “not something I am actively pursuing, but I am keeping all my doors open,” he told the Washington Examiner in a statement.

Chaffetz served as a congressman from 2009 to 2017. He later became a Fox News contributor.

Are Jason Chaffetz or Robert O’Brien planning to run for office in Utah? https://t.co/LErCXPWHxz

— mololoki (@mololokime) February 22, 2023

The future

"Look, I love what I am doing now. There's a reason why I left," Chaffetz told attendees at the Washington County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner over the weekend, according to the Deseret News.

"But I'd love to serve again in some capacity," he added.

It's not the only time Chaffetz has hinted at a future run.

"I'm confident that I would win if I decided to run," he told local news outlets, adding that he expects to make an announcement in either the spring or summer. "I'll have the resources, I have an extraordinary team, and I believe the people of Utah would be with me."

Jason Chaffetz: Mitt Romney will run -and win http://t.co/P53REQGb8H | Getty pic.twitter.com/t2L1QtDmdV

— POLITICO (@politico) July 8, 2014

Chaffetz, who predicted Romney's run and win nearly a decade ago, is now looking at the option of his own run. If so, he'll likely look for former President Donald Trump's backing.

The former congressman would focus on Romney's weak conservative credentials and attacks on the former president, presenting himself as a true conservative for the people of Utah. Romney, who previously ran for president, has since shown himself as a more moderate member of the party who could be an easy target to primary as the conservative state grows upset over Washington's leftist priorities under Biden.

The run would also take place as a growing number of GOP contenders seek to unseat President Joe Biden in 2024. In addition to Trump, Nikki Haley recently announced a run. Other potential contenders noted have included Ron DeSantis, Mike Pence, Tim Scott, Ted Cruz, Glenn Youngkin, Chris Sununu, Kristi Noem, Greg Abbott and Larry Hogan.