On Friday, GOP Representative Matt Rosendale stirred up the political landscape by announcing his bid for the Senate in Montana. This move sets the stage for a heated primary against Tim Sheehy, the candidate favored by national Republicans to challenge vulnerable Democratic Senator Jon Tester.
Rosendale, a member of the staunch House Freedom Caucus and a previous contender against Tester in 2018, is now pitted against retired Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy. Sheehy, who launched his campaign in June, enjoys the support of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, led by Montana’s junior senator, Steve Daines.
The decision by Rosendale to run for Senate contradicts the wishes of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who is backing Sheehy in this critical race, seen as pivotal in the Republicans’ bid to regain control of the Senate.
However, Rosendale’s campaign suffered a setback when former President Donald Trump endorsed Sheehy, lauding him as “an American Hero and highly successful Businessman.” Trump also expressed his respect for Rosendale and hinted at a future endorsement should he decide to run for his Congressional Seat again.
Rosendale shrugged off the lack of Trump’s endorsement, expressing his confidence in winning the primary election and his commitment to support Trump’s agenda if he returns to the Oval Office.
Both Sheehy and Rosendale have endorsed Trump’s presidential run, and the Montana contest will serve as a litmus test for national GOP leaders, who are taking a more active role in primaries this cycle than in the past.
Senator Daines expressed his disappointment in Rosendale’s decision to enter the primary, voicing concerns about the party’s ability to flip the seat in November.
Rosendale, first elected to the US House in 2020, has been a controversial figure within the GOP leadership. He was one of the eight House Republicans who voted to oust Kevin McCarthy as speaker. The current House speaker, Mike Johnson, has stated that he will not be endorsing Rosendale for Senate.
Incumbent Senator Tester, running for a fourth term, is considered one of the most vulnerable Democrats in the 2024 election. His campaign has been actively promoting his farming background and commitment to public lands, Second Amendment rights, and the Montana way of life.
As of December 31, Tester had over $11 million in campaign funds, while Sheehy and Rosendale had over $1.2 million and nearly $1.7 million respectively. Rosendale, who previously served in the Montana Legislature and as state auditor, will be able to transfer his House campaign funds for use in his Senate bid.
Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that Sen. Steve Daines is Montana’s junior senator. Additional information has also been included. Contributions to this report were made by CNN’s Melanie Zanona and Kate Sullivan.