Romney's departure signifies the end of an era characterized by bipartisanship and compromise in Washington, shifting towards a more partisan political climate.

The rise of the tea party movement in 2009 marked a turning point in American politics, making Romney's bipartisan healthcare efforts a liability during his 2012 presidential campaign.

As governor of Massachusetts, one of Romney's proudest achievements was 'Romneycare,' a health insurance reform that influenced the Affordable Care Act.

Romneycare, passed in April 2006 with bipartisan support, was a significant early example of successful bipartisanship in his career.

Other notable Senate departures include Democrats-turned-independents Joe Manchin III and Kyrsten Sinema, and Republicans Rob Portman, Richard Shelby, Pat Toomey, and Roy Blunt, reflecting a broader trend of diminishing bipartisan cooperation.

Mitt Romney delivered his farewell speech to the U.S. Senate in early December 2024, marking a significant transition in American politics.

His public service career spans over two decades, making him the only American to serve as governor of one state and senator for another while also being a presidential nominee.

In his farewell address, Romney emphasized that his successes were collaborative efforts, particularly highlighting his role in bipartisan legislation on electoral reform, pandemic relief, marriage rights, and infrastructure.

Romney warned against the forces threatening national unity, reflecting on the increasing polarization in American politics as he and similar leaders exit public service.

His experiences underscore the diminishing common ground among Americans as the 2024 election approaches.