Senate fixture Hatch to retire

Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah, the longest-serving Republican senator in history, said Tuesday he’ll retire after this year — clearing the way for ex-GOP presidential nominee and President Trump nemesis Mitt Romney to vie for his seat.

Hatch, 83, a Trump ally who was instrumental in ushering in last month’s tax-cut bill as Finance Committee chairman, was first elected in 1976.

“Every good fighter knows when to hang up the gloves,” Hatch said in a video message.

“And for me, that time is soon approaching. That’s why after much prayer and discussion with family and friends, I’ve decided to retire at the end of this term.”

Trump tweeted a congratulatory message to Hatch, who also joined the president in backing Alabama GOP Senate candidate and accused child predator Roy Moore.

“Congratulations to Senator Orrin Hatch on an absolutely incredible career. He has been a tremendous supporter, and I will never forget the (beyond kind) statements he has made about me as President. He is my friend and he will be greatly missed in the U.S. Senate!” the president tweeted.

Romney (inset), who famously called Trump a “phony” and a “fraud,” during the presidential campaign, is “serious” about a Senate bid, former aides told The Post. Romney called Hatch “my friend” and thanked him for his more than 40 years of service.

“Senator Hatch has represented the interests of Utah with distinction and honor,” Romney said on Facebook, while declining to address speculation on his political run.

Romney is popular in Utah, where he is credited with saving the Winter Olympics in 2002 and where his family has ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.