TL/DR –
Matt Rosendale, the right-wing candidate vying for Montana’s contested Senate seat, has withdrawn from the Republican primary race. His withdrawal came less than a week after his entry and the endorsement of his primary opponent, Tim Sheehy, by former President Donald Trump. This event sets Sheehy, a businessman and retired Navy SEAL, as the favorite to secure the nomination and face Jon Tester, a Democratic incumbent.
Montana’s Matt Rosendale Withdraws from Republican Primary Race
Montana’s right-wing candidate, Representative Matt Rosendale, exited the contested Senate primary race, announcing his decision on Thursday. His departure comes just days after formally entering the race. Donald Trump endorsed his opponent Tim Sheehy, a business tycoon and former Navy SEAL, soon after Rosendale initiated his campaign, influencing his decision.
Rosendale cited Trump’s endorsement of Sheehy and limited resources as reasons for his withdrawal. He consulted Steve Daines, Montana’s Republican senator, before making his decision. Politico initially reported this news and projected Sheehy as the favourite to win the nomination against Democratic incumbent Jon Tester in November.
This situation benefits Republicans attempting to regain control of the Senate. With no primary contest, they can coalesce around Sheehy to unseat Tester this fall. His seat, in a heavily Republican state, is one of the most vulnerable, alongside Democratic seats in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Nevada, Arizona, and West Virginia.
Republicans Hope for Gains in the Senate
Republicans received more good news when Larry Hogan, Maryland’s former Republican governor, revealed his intentions to run for the state’s open Senate seat. This move potentially extends the list of seats vulnerable to Republican takeover.
In Montana, Republicans avoided a repeat of 2018 when Rosendale narrowly lost to Tester by rallying around Sheehy, a moderate candidate. Endorsements from top Republicans and financial backing from conservative super PACs and donors strengthened Sheehy’s campaign. In a recent podcast, Rosendale mentioned that Daines had urged him not to enter the race.
Rosendale’s Withdrawal Prompts Reactions
Montana Democrats responded to the news by emphasizing Sheehy’s out-of-state origins and wealth, claiming that this made him out of touch with Montana’s way of life. Meanwhile, Sheehy thanked Rosendale for his service in a tweet, and said that a unified Republican effort was required to defeat Tester in November.
—
Read More US Political News