Mitt Romney brothers have often been mentioned in political discussions, family histories, and campaign stories. While Mitt himself has been one of the most recognizable figures in American politics over the past two decades, his siblings have also played their own roles in shaping the broader Romney legacy. In 2025, with Mitt Romney stepping away from public office after his U.S. Senate term ended, interest in his family’s background—including his brothers—has grown again.
This detailed look explores who Mitt Romney’s brothers are, their individual contributions, how the term “Romney brothers” is sometimes used to describe his sons, and why this distinction matters in understanding the full Romney family influence in American political life.
The Romney Family Legacy
The Romney name is synonymous with politics, business, and public service. The family’s story begins with George W. Romney, Mitt’s father, who served as the Governor of Michigan from 1963 to 1969, was a prominent business executive at American Motors, and later held a cabinet position under President Richard Nixon as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. His wife, Lenore LaFount Romney, was also politically ambitious, running for the U.S. Senate in 1970.
Mitt Romney was born Willard Mitt Romney on March 12, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan, as the youngest of four children. His siblings were raised in a household where political conversations were as common as dinner, and civic responsibility was deeply ingrained.
The Romney siblings are:
- Scott Romney (born 1941) – the oldest brother
- Margo Romney (born 1943) – sister
- Jane Romney (born 1945) – sister
- Mitt Romney (born 1947) – the youngest child
Of these, Scott Romney is the sibling who has had the most public presence, especially in Michigan Republican politics. Margo and Jane have largely maintained private lives, staying out of political roles.
Scott Romney: The Political Brother
Scott Romney, Mitt’s older brother, has long been involved in Republican politics in Michigan. While he did not achieve the same national political stature as Mitt, Scott carved out his own niche as a lawyer, political participant, and party supporter.
Some key points about Scott’s public life:
- Political Candidacy: Scott Romney once ran for Michigan Attorney General in 1998. Although he did not secure the Republican nomination, his run positioned him as a significant figure within Michigan’s political circles.
- Education and Law: Scott built a respected career in law, contributing to local education initiatives and serving on boards, including Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees, where he influenced educational policy at the state level.
- Support for Mitt’s Campaigns: During Mitt Romney’s presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2012, Scott played an important role behind the scenes as a fundraiser, supporter, and trusted advisor. His political connections in Michigan helped rally local support during the primaries.
- Ongoing Influence in 2025: As of this year, Scott remains involved in Michigan’s Republican circles. While he’s less publicly active than during Mitt’s campaign years, he is often cited as a respected elder statesman within the state GOP.
Scott Romney’s involvement showcases how the Romney brothers worked in tandem during Mitt’s political rise—one on the national stage, the other strengthening regional foundations.
Margo and Jane Romney: Leading Private Lives
Unlike Mitt and Scott, Margo and Jane Romney have chosen quieter, private lives. While they occasionally appear in family profiles and have supported their brothers at major political events, they have not pursued public office or political careers.
Their roles reflect a dynamic familiar in many political families: while one or two members are in the spotlight, other siblings maintain the family’s personal foundation, away from the glare of media attention.
The “Romney Brothers” Confusion: Siblings vs. Sons
In political media, the phrase “Mitt Romney brothers” is sometimes used to describe his actual siblings, like Scott, but often, the term has also been used to refer to Mitt Romney’s sons. This has led to confusion, especially during Mitt’s presidential campaigns, when his children were often referred to as “the Romney brothers” in headlines.
Mitt Romney and his wife, Ann, have five sons:
- Tagg Romney (born 1970)
- Matt Romney (born 1971)
- Josh Romney (born 1975)
- Ben Romney (born 1978)
- Craig Romney (born 1981)
During the 2008 and 2012 campaigns, these five sons played very public roles. They appeared at campaign events, participated in interviews, gave speeches, and helped build Mitt’s image as a family-oriented, disciplined, and business-savvy candidate. They were sometimes nicknamed “the Romney brothers” in popular coverage because of their similar appearance, strong presence, and united support for their father.
While Scott Romney is Mitt’s actual brother, his sons’ public visibility often overshadowed his siblings in media coverage, leading to the blended use of the term.
The Romney Brothers and Politics in 2025
With Mitt Romney leaving the U.S. Senate in January 2025, attention has turned to whether any family members—including his brothers or sons—will continue his political legacy.
- Scott Romney remains connected to Michigan’s Republican establishment, but there’s no sign he intends to seek public office at his age. Instead, he plays a mentor-like role, offering guidance to younger political figures.
- Mitt’s Sons have largely returned to private business and family life. Some remain politically engaged in lower-profile ways, but none have announced political ambitions as of 2025.
- Family Legacy: The Romney family name continues to carry weight within the Republican Party, especially among older and more moderate voters. The brothers’ combined histories—George’s legacy, Mitt’s national leadership, and Scott’s regional influence—form the backbone of this continued relevance.
Romney Brothers: Family Snapshot
| Name | Relation to Mitt | Born | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scott Romney | Older Brother | 1941 | Political figure in Michigan, lawyer, supporter |
| Margo Romney | Sister | 1943 | Private life, occasional public appearances |
| Jane Romney | Sister | 1945 | Private life, family figure |
| Tagg, Matt, Josh, Ben, Craig | Sons (often called “Romney brothers” in media) | 1970–1981 | Played major role in Mitt’s presidential campaigns |
The Importance of the Romney Brothers in American Politics
Understanding Mitt Romney’s brothers gives a fuller picture of the man who shaped American politics for decades. Scott’s involvement in Michigan politics helped support Mitt’s rise, while Margo and Jane remained grounding figures within the family. Meanwhile, his sons—often mislabeled as “brothers”—became the face of his campaigns, embodying the next generation of the Romney legacy.
This layered dynamic mirrors other prominent American political families, where siblings and children work in different but complementary ways to maintain the family’s public presence.
Looking Ahead for the Romney Family
As Mitt Romney steps back from elected office, the question remains: Will the Romney brothers or sons step into new public roles?
While there are no public indications of political ambitions from Scott or Mitt’s sons in 2025, the Romney name remains influential. Scott’s continued presence in Michigan politics, combined with the family’s established reputation, keeps them relevant even without holding formal office.
Whether through philanthropy, advisory roles, or political commentary, the Romney family is likely to remain part of the national conversation for years to come.
Mitt Romney brothers have each shaped the family’s story in their own way—some through political involvement, some through support, and some through quiet stability. Together, they form the foundation of one of America’s most enduring political families.
What do you think about the role the Romney brothers have played in Mitt’s career and legacy? Share your thoughts below.
