Montana Gov. Gianforte backs Tim Sheehy for Tester’s Senate seat.

Gov. Gianforte Endorses Tim Sheehy for Senate Seat

Gov. Greg Gianforte (R-MT) is throwing his support behind businessman and former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy in his bid to unseat Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) as Republicans attempt to clear the primary field in hopes of boosting their candidate in the general election.

“Tim Sheehy is a good friend, and I’m glad he decided to run for the U.S. Senate,” Gianforte said in a statement. “Tim’s business experience and commitment to public service is what we need in Washington. I know that Tim Sheehy will serve Montana well in the U.S. Senate, and he has my full support.”

Divisions Among Republicans

Gianforte’s endorsement comes as Sheehy’s campaign gains momentum, with the backing of most of the establishment wing, including Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) in his capacity as the National Republican Senatorial Committee chairman. However, Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT) is still considering whether to enter the race. Despite not being a candidate yet, Rosendale has the support of the well-funded Club for Growth.

Republicans are eager to consolidate their support behind Sheehy, fearing that a divided primary field could weaken their chances in the general election. They also worry that Rosendale, who lost to Tester in 2018, may not be able to win statewide.

Democrats’ Fighting Chance

Tester’s decision to run for a fourth term was a major win for Democrats, as it gives them a fighting chance in a state that Trump carried by over 16 points in 2020. Republicans view the seat as within their reach due to the state’s conservative leanings.

Daines, who endorsed Sheehy early on after months of lobbying, has been encouraging Rosendale to stay in the House to build seniority and help Republicans maintain their majority.

Rosendale, however, pushed back against the party’s chosen candidate, expressing his belief that Montanans are tired of the status quo and will reject the influence of Washington insiders.

Read more: The Washington Examiner

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