Article Summary –
Montana Congressman Matt Rosendale, a Republican, announced his plan to run for re-election in Montana’s eastern House district, after previously entering and then leaving the Senate race within six days. Rosendale reportedly left the Senate race due to Trump’s endorsement of another candidate, Tim Sheehy, but now has the support of Trump for his House re-election. Several Republicans who were planning to run for the House seat may have to reconsider their plans, as many had previously stated they would not run if Rosendale chose to stay in the House.
Montana Congressman Matt Rosendale Announces House Re-election Bid
Republican Matt Rosendale will seek re-election for Montana’s eastern House district after a brief stint in the U.S. Senate race. The prominent member of the House Freedom Caucus announced his decision on Wednesday, via a statement on social media.
Rosendale’s campaign cited former President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Senate candidate Tim Sheehy as a major factor in his early Senate race exit. However, Trump expressed his support for Rosendale’s re-election bid in the House.
Despite not yet filing House campaign paperwork with the Montana Secretary of State, Rosendale filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission, enabling fundraising for his House campaign.
Rosendale’s return to the House race complicates the plans of other Republicans, who had launched campaigns presuming Rosendale would pursue the Senate. Some of these Republicans, despite their initial stance, changed their position and continued their campaigns after Rosendale’s announcement.
The Montana Eastern district race features a diverse Republican candidate pool, including current and former state lawmakers and officials, and a former congressman. On the Democratic side, three candidates, including Helena’s Kevin Hamm, Billings’ Ming Cabrera, and rancher Steve Held, have entered the race.
Rosendale pledged his support for Sheehy, the GOP’s nominee against incumbent Democrat Jon Tester. Sheehy reciprocated with a supportive statement of his own on social media.
Democrats capitalized on the reconciliation between Rosendale and Sheehy. Previously, Rosendale had labeled Sheehy a “lackey” for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, according to a statement from the Montana Democratic Party.
Speculation about Rosendale’s political future and sudden Senate race withdrawal has been rampant. Former Democratic U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp unfoundedly suggested Rosendale’s exit was due to an affair with a staffer, which prompted an intense denial and a legal threat from Rosendale’s camp. Rosendale’s wife, Jean, also publicly defended her husband.
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