Former President Donald Trump has firmly thrown his support behind Tim Sheehy, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL and businessman, in Montana’s upcoming U.S. Senate race.
Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Tim Sheehy for U.S. Senate. https://t.co/aYmsQwbJIz
— NBC Montana (@NBCMontana) February 9, 2024
This endorsement comes on the same day that Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT) announced his bid for the Senate seat, setting the stage for a fierce primary battle within the Republican Party.
Trump posted his endorsement on Truth Social: “I LOVE MONTANA! Tim Sheehy is an American Hero and highly successful Businessman from the Great State of Montana. 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.”
Trump continued, “But in this instance, Tim is the candidate who is currently best-positioned to DEFEAT Lazy Jon Tester, and Regain the Republican Majority in the United States Senate,” Trump continued. “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. Also, he is far more likely to Defeat Lazy Jon. America First Patriot Tim Sheehy has my Complete and Total Endorsement!”
However, Rosendale’s entry into the race adds a new dimension to the political landscape.
Republicans have hoped to avoid a divisive primary contest, fearing that it would divert resources and attention away from the ultimate goal of unseating Sen. John Tester (D-MT).
With Rosendale’s candidacy, Sheehy now faces the prospect of a heated primary battle within his own party, potentially weakening his position against Tester in the general election.
Shortly after Trump’s statement was released, CNN host Abby Phillip asked Rosendale, “Donald Trump asserts that you have no chance of winning. Are you concerned that this could derail your campaign before it even kicks off?”
Rosendale responded, “No, not at all. I love President Trump. He did an incredible job when he was the president, and he’s going to come back and do an incredible job next year when he takes the Oval Office, and I plan to be in the United States Senate next year to help him get that agenda through.”
Rosendale then proceeded to call out Sheehy for maxing out contributions to Nikki Haley against President Trump as well as maxing out contributions to Tim Scott over President Trump.
