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President Donald Trump successfully thwarted what would have undoubtedly led to Republican infighting when he endorsed Tim Sheehy for Senate on February 9, just hours after Republican Rep. Matt Rosendale announced his bid for the critical Montana seat.
Rosendale officially withdrew from the race on February 15, citing Trump’s endorsement of Sheehy as one of the top reasons for his decisions.
In a statement posted on Twitter, formerly X, Rosendale wrote, “I have long been a supporter of the president, and remain so.” He continued, writing that after speaking with Sen. Daines, they agreed “that this is the best path forward for Republicans to regain the majority in the U.S. Senate.”
Sheehy was recruited by the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Chair Steve Daines, who was notably the first GOP senator in a leadership position to endorse President Trump for a second term in the White House.
According to Politico, the NRSC had made several attempts in recent months to convince Rosendale to forgo a run. Politico also noted that his withdrawal from the race was likely beneficial for Republicans who were “eager to avoid a damaging primary.” Sheehy is challenging long-time Democratic Montana Senator Jon Tester, who is said to be highly vulnerable, according to The Hill.
For the 2024 cycle, Democrats have at least eight seats in jeopardy, while the Senate Republicans up for reelection have less of a challenge.
Sheehy has already raised significant funds but is willing and able to self-fund his campaign.
Rosendale noted in his statement that he “will be back home in Montana” with his family “and will prayerfully consider what is next.” Thus far, he has not announced if he will run for reelection in the House.
However, during his endorsement announcement of Sheehy, President Trump said he would endorse Rosendale “again in the future” if he decided to “change course and run for his Congressional Seat.”
