Less than a week after he announced his intention to run for the U.S. Senate, potentially setting up a rematch against Montana Sen. Jon Tester (D), Rep. Matt Rosendale (R) has reversed course and is dropping his bid.
As we reported, on Friday, Rosendale, 63, announced that he would seek the Republican nomination in Montana. The catch there is he would be facing a tough primary challenge against former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy, 38, made tougher by the fact that former President Donald Trump elected to endorse Sheehy rather than Rosendale in the race.
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'Conservative Firebrand' Matt Rosendale Announces Bid for Jon Tester's Montana Senate Seat
Apparently, that was enough to persuade Rosendale to reconsider. On Thursday, he announced he would no longer pursue the Senate bid.
Rosendale had publicly explored a campaign for months. The shocking reversal from the conservative congressman is a boon to national Republicans, who are backing veteran Tim Sheehy and are eager to avoid a damaging primary. His decision comes after former President Donald Trump endorsed Sheehy.
— Matt Rosendale (@MattForMontana) February 16, 2024
Instead of one of those phony statements from politicians, here’s my statement on why I’m withdrawing my candidacy for the U.S. Senate.
As everyone knows, I have planned to run for the US Senate and to win both the primary and the general election. However, the day I announced, President Trump then announced that he was endorsing a different candidate.
I have long been a supporter of the President, and remain so. But I have been forced to calculate what my chances of success would be with Trump supporting my opponent. This race was already going to be tough, as I was fighting against Mitch McConnell and the rest of the Republican establishment in Washington. But I felt like I could beat them, as the voters do not agree with them choosing who would be the next U.S. Senator from Montana.
However, by my calculations, with Trump endorsing my opponent and the lack of resources, the hill was just too steep. I spoke with Sen. Daines earlier this week and we both agree that this is the best path forward for Republicans to regain the majority in the U.S. Senate.
Over the next few days I will be back home in Montana with my family and will prayerfully consider what is next.
Rosendale, who has earned the reputation as a "conservative firebrand," was one of eight Republicans who voted to oust former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in October.
After his announcement regarding his withdrawal from the race, Sheehy responded graciously on social media, thanking Rosendale for his service and vowing to work together with him.
Matt, Montana is grateful for your service and for showing Washington, D.C. what it means to hold the line on reckless spending. I know working together we’ll win this race and defeat Jon Tester.
— Tim Sheehy (@SheehyforMT) February 15, 2024
Matt, Montana is grateful for your service and for showing Washington, D.C. what it means to hold the line on reckless spending. I know working together we’ll win this race and defeat Jon Tester.
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