Former President Donald Trump recently made a key endorsement in Montana’s Senate race, announcing his support for retired U.S. Navy SEAL and businessman Tim Sheehy.
Trump’s endorsement of Sheehy comes after Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT) announced his Senate bid in Montana.
On Truth Social, the former president expressed his thoughts about Montana and called Sheehy an “American Hero and highly successful Businessman.”
“I LOVE MONTANA! Tim Sheehy is an American hero and highly successful Businessman from the Great State of Montana,” Trump wrote on the platform. “He is strongly supported by our incredible chairman of the NRSC, Steve Daines, and many other patriotic Senators and Republicans who have endorsed our Campaign to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
“I also respect Matt Rosendale, and was very happy to Endorse him in the past — and will Endorse him again in the future should he decide to change course and run for his Congressional Seat,” he added.
“I also respect Matt Rosendale, and was very happy to Endorse him in the past — and will Endorse him again in the future should he decide to change course and run for his Congressional Seat,” Mr. Trump said. https://t.co/2PmkFw79SE
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) February 10, 2024
Trump explained that Sheehy is the “best-positioned” Senate contender to defeat Sen. John Tester (D-MT) in Montana’s Senate race.
“Tim is a Political Outsider, Strong on the Border, the Military/Vets, and our constantly under siege Second Amendment. He will stand tall in the fight against the Radical Left Democrats, who are Destroying our Country,” the former president said.
“Also, he is far more likely to defeat Lazy Jon. America First Patriot Tim Sheehy has my Complete and Total Endorsement,” he continued.
The Daily Wire reported that Rosendale’s entrance into the Senate race sparks trouble for Montana Republicans because now they will need to spend key resources on a primary right instead of focusing on ousting Tester.
Rosendale previously ran an unsuccessful Senate campaign against Tester. After filing paperwork to enter the race in Montana, he told reporters, “I’ve won two elections since then.”
The Montana congressman said his name has been “elevated dramatically.”
An Emerson College poll from October 2023 shows Tester defeating Sheehy in a potential matchup by four percentage points. Rosendale holds an advantage over the Montana senator, according to a J.L. Partners survey from August 2023.
Notably, Rosendale is a member of the House Freedom Caucus and voted to oust former Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) from the speakership.