The Saga of Mitt Romney's Utah Senate Bid Inches Closer to an End

After months of speculation over the status of Mitt Romney’s likely Senate run in Utah, we’re finally inching closer to an official announcement.

The former governor of Massachusetts and owner of binders full of women reportedly gave the green light to close friend and Utah real estate developer Kem Gardner, telling Gardner in a dramatic two word text—“I’m running”—that he will run to replace Orrin Hatch, The New York Times reported Sunday. Gardner reportedly also forwarded the message to Utah Governor Gary Herbert, who has privately urged Romney to run.

Salt Lake City’s Deseret News reported last week that Gardner—who asked Utahns to vote for Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential election—told the paper that Romney has started scoping out potential campaign headquarters and is in the process of assembling a campaign staff.

The 70-year-old was treated over the summer for prostate cancer, CNN reported last week, and his prognosis “is good.” Romney is scheduled to make two public appearances in the coming week.