Categories: Politics

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 Trump was a factor that led to his decision.

Rosendale, a notable conservative firebrand, announced he was running for Senate last 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Just six days later, Rosendale has withdrawn from the race as his bid stirred up the state’s Republican primary race where he was going to be challenging former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy for the nomination.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., Gov. Greg Gianforte, and former President Donald Trump.

CONSERVATIVE FIREBRAND ANNOUNCES RUN FOR KEY BATTLEGROUND SENATE RACE BEING TARGETED BY DEMS

EMIGRANT, MT – JULY 24: Montana Republican Congressman Matt Rosendale speaks at the ceremony to honor the four airman killed in a 1962 B-47 crash at 8,500 feet on Emigrant Peak on July 24, 2021, in Emigrant, Montana. A recent bipartisan Act of Congress will honor the airman with a memorial at the crash site. (Photo by William Campbell/Getty Images) (William Campbell)

“…with 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.

FORMER NAVY SEAL SAYS DEMS MEDDLING IN HIS SENATE RACE ‘TO DISTRICT MONTANA VOTERS’ FROM ‘TWO-FACED’ OPPONENT

Former President Donald Trump endorsed Tim Sheehy for the Montana Senate. (Sheehy for Senate)

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

When he did not get the endorsement, he 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.”

DONALD TRUMP ENDORSES ‘AMERICAN HERO’ TIM SHEEHY IN BATTLEGROUND SENATE RACE

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.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“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.”

Share

Recent Posts

Trump nabs 30K illegal immigrants, 1,100 gang members in 100 days: ‘Crime will go down,’ ex-FBI agent says

close Video Former FBI agent says 'crime will go down' as Trump administration continues arresting…

29 minutes ago

Trump’s crackdown on Harvard, ‘woke’ colleges will take more than 100 days to leave lasting reform: professor

close Video Trump's first 100 days challenge campus DEI as expert warns change must be…

29 minutes ago

Jeffrey Epstein case: Virginia Giuffre’s death marks third loss, expert says predators need to be ‘punished’

close Video Psychologist describes impact of Epstein's abuse on victims Kathryn Smerling, a psychologist and…

29 minutes ago

Karen Read crash expert admits he sent notes to defense, broke sequestration order in first trial

close Video Attorney predicts Read retrial will be ‘long’ and ‘involved’ Attorney Lexie Rigden breaks…

29 minutes ago

How Donald Trump tried to court the Atlantic – and why the liberal magazine landed an interview

Hell hath frozen over: At the White House the other day, Donald Trump "was launching…

3 hours ago

Thousands march in Dublin against Ireland’s mass migration policies as McGregor pursues presidential bid

close Video Mick Thomas & The 'Fox News Saturday Night' Panel Discuss Rosie O'Donnell Self-Deporting…

7 hours ago