Donald Trump endorsed former Navy SEAL and businessman Tim Sheehy in the Montana US Senate race Friday over Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.), a supporter of the ex-president and member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus.
Rosendale, one of the eight GOP lawmakers that voted with Democrats to oust former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) last October, officially entered the race just hours before Trump endorsed his opponent.
“Tim Sheehy is an American Hero and highly successful Businessman from the Great State of Montana,” Trump said in a Truth Social post. “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!”
Trump refrained from attacking Rosendale in his endorsement of Sheehy, explaining that while he has “respect” for the congressman, he feels Sheehy is “best-positioned” to beat the incumbent Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.).
“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 said. “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.”
Sheehy, a political newcomer, is a cattle rancher and the founder of Bridger Aerospace, an aerial firefighting and wildfire management company.
His candidacy has also been backed by Republican South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and several GOP senators, including Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.).
“Tim is a Political Outsider, Strong on the Border, the Military/Vets, and our constantly under siege Second Amendment,” Trump argued. “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!”
Meanwhile, Rosendale has already racked up endorsements from Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Sens. Mike Lee (R-Utah), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Montana Senate President Jason Ellsworth and the Gun Owners of America lobbying group.
His support for Trump appeared unwavering despite not landing his endorsement..
“I love President Trump. But he needs actual fighters in the U.S. Senate to enact his Agenda 47 – and that’s me and not Mitch McConnell’s hand pick, Tim Sheehy,” Rosendale wrote on X.
“I’m going to win this primary, defeat Jon Tester in November and together we will Make America Great Again!”
The Montana Senate primary election will be held on June 4.
