In a turn of events that signals Republican efforts to consolidate around the power of President Donald Trump’s influence, Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT) has withdrawn from this year’s U.S. Senate race. His decision, made less than a week after announcing his candidacy, comes as the GOP aims to recapture the Senate majority.
Rosendale says he will now throw his support behind Tim Sheehy, the Trump-endorsed candidate for the Republican nomination against Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) in the November general election.
Rosendale, who lost the 2018 contest for the Senate seat Tester holds, cited Trump’s endorsement of Sheehy and a lack of resources as key reasons for his decision. “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,” Rosendale stated.
— Matt Rosendale (@MattForMontana) February 16, 2024
By consolidating support behind Sheehy, Republicans can focus resources and energy on defeating Tester, considered one of the most vulnerable Democrats in the upcoming election. Political experts consider Tester’s seat to be one of the most vulnerable Democrat positions this year. That makes a unified and consistent Republican message all the more important there.
President Trump’s power to sway the primary landscape with a single endorsement speaks volumes about his continued influence over the party’s direction and strategy. Trump’s endorsement of Sheehy, a veteran and businessman, underscores the former president’s commitment to candidates he believes can effectively champion conservative values and policies.
Trump also had kind words for Rosendale. In his endorsement of Sheehy, he acknowledged Rosendale’s service, stating, “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.”
Matt Rosendale drops out of Montana Senate race after launching bid last week https://t.co/JytsJvkfRk via @JustTheNews
— SASSYCHICK (@KT07500539) February 16, 2024
The response from other key figures in the Republican Party, including Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), speaks in favor of party unity in capturing the Senate. Daines’ support for Sheehy and his role in recruiting him signifies the party’s strategic efforts to field strong candidates capable of winning in competitive states.
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
Rosendale’s decision reflects the importance of strategic unity over individual ambition, a message that will be critical for the GOP as it seeks to deliver a clear message to its base and independent voters this year.
https://youtu.be/AHzYJqsiNKI?si=SRQSBvf3byh_hWvu
