Rep. Matt Rosendale could disrupt GOP’s primary avoidance in Montana Senate race.
Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT) Considers Challenging Senate Republican Leadership’s Preferred Candidate
Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT) is causing a stir within Senate Republican leadership as he contemplates challenging their favored candidate for the nomination to take on Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) in the upcoming election. This unexpected move has injected excitement and uncertainty into the race.
A Major Win for Democrats
Tester’s decision to run for a fourth term was a significant victory for Democrats, as it gives them a fighting chance in a state that former President Donald Trump won by a substantial margin in 2020. Senate GOP leadership sees this seat as a potential win, considering Montana’s conservative leanings. However, they are concerned that a crowded primary contest could weaken their candidate in the general election.
Republicans’ Uphill Battle
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, have been diligently working to recruit the most electable candidates in crucial swing states. Their goal is to regain the majority in the Senate next year. They believe that victories in Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia are essential for their path to success in 2024. These states have Democratic incumbents up for reelection, and flipping just two seats would give Republicans control of the Senate.
Avoiding a Contentious Primary
In Montana, Daines, Gov. Greg Gianforte (R-MT), and Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) have thrown their support behind former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy’s candidacy. They have openly discouraged Rosendale from entering the race to prevent a contentious primary. Daines, who has been privately urging Sheehy to run, expressed his admiration for Rosendale but emphasized the importance of building seniority in the House to maintain Republican majority.
While the decision ultimately rests with Rosendale, Daines hopes to avoid a contested primary, believing it would be in the best interest of the party.
Rosendale’s Determination
Despite establishment support for Sheehy, all indications suggest that Rosendale is preparing to launch a Senate bid. He has been actively participating in events across Montana’s 1st Congressional District, demonstrating his statewide ambitions. Additionally, he has reportedly hired a campaign fundraiser and is working to secure coveted GOP endorsements.
Rosendale’s House Republican colleagues, including Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and Eli Crane (R-AZ), have publicly encouraged his Senate bid, further fueling speculation.
The Clear Choice for Montana Voters
Aashka Varma, Rosendale’s spokeswoman, asserts that he is the clear choice among Montana voters. She highlights his overwhelming trust and support, should he decide to run. Varma also claims that Rosendale holds a significant lead in a primary against Sheehy and a competitive lead against Sen. Tester.
However, the party establishment argues that Rosendale’s previous loss to Tester in 2018 indicates his inability to win statewide. Tester himself has refrained from expressing a preference between Sheehy and Rosendale, but during their previous contest, he criticized Rosendale as “Maryland Matt,” a real estate developer who falsely claimed to be a rancher.
As the race unfolds, all eyes are on Rosendale and his potential bid for the Senate seat, adding an element of intrigue to Montana’s political landscape.
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