Montana conservative firebrand withdraws from Senate race after Trump endorses opponent

Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., suspended his bid for the Montana Senate on Thursday, telling Fox News that former President Donald Trump was a factor that led to his decision.

Rosendale, a notable conservative firebrand, announced he was running for Senate on Friday, in an effort to unseat Democrat Sen. Jon Tester.

Just six days later, Rosendale has withdrawn from the race as his bid stirred up the state’s Republican primary race where he was going to be challenging former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy for the nomination.

Sheehy, a first-time candidate, gained endorsements from Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont.; Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont.; Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte; and Trump.

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"[W]ith Trump endorsing my opponent and the lack of resources, the hill was just too steep," Rosendale said. "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."

Rosendale said he planned to run for Senate and to win both the primary and general election, but the same day he announced his bid, Trump announced his endorsement of Sheehy.

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Despite not getting the endorsement, Rosendale said he will continue to be a supporter of Trump.

When he did not get the endorsement, Rosendale had to calculate his chances of winning without a Trump endorsement.

"This race was already going to be tough, as I was fighting against Mitch McConnell and the rest of the Republican establishment in Washington," he said. "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."

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Rosendale added he would be back home in Montana with his family over the next few days to consider what he will pursue next.

Sheehy turned to social media after learning the news of his opponent's withdraw from the race.

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"Matt, Montana is grateful for your service and for showing Washington, D.C. what it means to hold the line on reckless spending," Sheehy said in a post on X. "I know working together, we'll win this race and defeat Jon Tester."