Ryan Zinke supports Tim Sheehy for Montana Senate race, aligning with national Republicans.

Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) Endorses Tim Sheehy for Senate

Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) has thrown his support behind Tim Sheehy in his bid to unseat incumbent Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) and help Republicans regain control of the Senate in 2024.

Zinke, once considered a potential candidate for the seat himself, is the latest prominent GOP lawmaker to rally behind Sheehy in a crucial race that national Republicans see as vital to reclaiming the Senate next year.

A War Hero and Next-Generation Leader

“Tim Sheehy is not only a war hero, but he also represents the next generation of leadership,” Zinke enthusiastically shared with Fox News on Wednesday. “Having served this country and with his wife being a marine, he understands sacrifice and success.”

Sheehy launched his campaign last week, emphasizing his Navy SEAL background as one of the reasons why Montana voters should support him. His success as the wealthy founder of Bridger Aerospace has also caught the attention of national Republicans seeking self-funded candidates.

“Whether it was in war or business, I have always been a problem solver. America needs conservative leaders who love our country, and that’s why I’m running for the United States Senate,” Sheehy passionately stated in his campaign launch video.

Strong Support from Prominent Republicans

On the same day, Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, also endorsed Sheehy. “Tim Sheehy is a decorated veteran, successful businessman, and a great Montanan,” Daines declared in a statement. “I am thrilled that he has decided to enter the Montana Senate race.”

Daines had been actively encouraging Sheehy to challenge Tester, one of several vulnerable Senate Democrats, in 2024. Republicans believe that Montana’s strong conservative leanings, as evidenced by its 16-point victory for Trump in 2020, present a prime opportunity for a pickup.

Following disappointing results for Republicans in the 2022 midterm elections, Daines has taken a proactive role in recruiting Senate candidates, a departure from his predecessor’s approach. They deemed Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT), another Montana lawmaker expected to announce his candidacy for the Senate seat, as unelectable in the general election due to his previous loss to Tester by over 3 points in 2018.

Zinke joins a growing list of Republicans who have already endorsed Sheehy, including Sens. Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), as well as Gov. Greg Gianforte (R-MT).

“Montana is yearning for strong leadership, and we are facing significant challenges,” Zinke emphasized during his interview with Fox News. “We have a mounting debt, a looming China, border issues, and a host of other serious and daunting tasks ahead. It will take courage and leadership to address these concerns.”

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