Rosendale’s Montana Senate race entry awaits Trump’s endorsement
Republicans Brace for Hurdles as Rep. Matt Rosendale Considers Montana Senate Run
As Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT) contemplates entering the Montana Senate race, top Republicans are preparing for potential obstacles in their quest for a majority in the upper chamber.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee achieved a significant victory in recruiting former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy to challenge Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) in the Montana Senate race. However, Rosendale, known for his staunch conservatism, hinted at a potential Senate comeback bid earlier this month.
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“Over the last several months, I’ve been humbled by the overwhelming support I’ve received from Montanans to challenge Jon Tester, including dozens of state legislators that I’ve had the pleasure of serving with, and the Montana speaker of the House and the Senate president,” Rosendale said in a video posted on social media on Dec. 6.
“While I was truly honored and privileged to represent the people of eastern Montana in Congress, it is difficult for me to stand by and allow Mitch McConnell and the uniparty to sell our country short and attempt to select our next senator,” he added.
However, doubts persist regarding Rosendale’s ability to unseat Tester, as he failed to do so in 2018. Additionally, the coveted endorsement of former President Donald Trump hangs over the Senate race, with Trump yet to announce his pick in the GOP primary.
If Rosendale secures Trump’s endorsement, it would defy Republican leaders’ intentions to clear the field for Sheehy, their preferred candidate. Nevertheless, Rosendale’s efforts to win over Trump’s endorsement may prove challenging, as advisers for the former president were reportedly displeased by Rosendale’s promotion of a chance encounter with Trump before receiving his endorsement.
The Montana congressman encountered Trump while fundraising at Mar-a-Lago, expressing his admiration for the former president and emphasizing the need for “strong conservatives” in the Senate to advance Trump’s agenda. Rosendale eventually endorsed Trump’s campaign a few days later.
Rosendale defended the timing of his endorsement, stating it was a strategic move to make a more significant impact. However, Trump had previously informed Rosendale in a private conversation that he would not endorse his Senate run.
Montana and Washington, D.C.-based Republicans speculate that Trump may refrain from endorsing any candidate in the primary, potentially creating an opportunity for Rosendale. While many constituents identify with Rosendale’s conservative ideology, concerns remain about his ability to win general elections.
In the 2024 election cycle, there are 34 Senate seats up for grabs, with Democrats defending 23 compared to Republicans’ 11. Most competitive seats are currently held by Democrats, placing them on the defensive as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) strives to maintain his slim majority.
Montana is viewed as a prime pickup opportunity for national Republicans, as Trump won the state by a significant margin in 2020. Notably, Democratic state lawmakers lost races in Great Falls and Cascade County, while Republicans gained a supermajority in the state legislature.
Rosendale has been a thorn in the side of establishment Republicans throughout the year, opposing McCarthy’s speaker bid and voting against suspending the debt ceiling. He also played a role in the House paralysis earlier this summer and voted against a temporary government funding bill.
The deadline for Rosendale to file for the Senate race is March 11, 2024.
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How significant is the Montana Senate race for Republicans in their quest to regain control of the Senate in the 2020 election?
Fore the 2020 election.
The Montana Senate race holds significant importance for Republicans, as they aim to regain control of the Senate in the upcoming midterm elections. Tester, a Democrat, has held the seat since 2007 and has proven to be a formidable opponent. While Rosendale’s conservative values and previous experience as a congressman may make him an attractive candidate for Republicans, there are concerns about his ability to defeat Tester.
During the 2018 midterm elections, Rosendale ran against Tester but was unsuccessful in his bid for the Senate seat. This loss has led some Republicans to question his chances of success in a rematch. Tester, who has built a strong reputation in Montana, has maintained a strong base of support, and it will not be an easy task for Rosendale to sway voters in his favor.
One crucial factor that could significantly impact the outcome of the race is the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. Trump’s endorsement holds significant weight among Republican voters, and candidates who receive his endorsement often see a boost in their chances of success. However, Trump has yet to announce his pick for the Montana Senate race, leaving the field open for Rosendale and Sheehy to compete for his support.
Rosendale’s efforts to win over Trump’s endorsement may prove challenging, as reports suggest that Trump’s advisors were displeased with Rosendale’s promotion of a chance encounter with the former president before the 2020 election. Securing Trump’s endorsement could be a make-or-break moment for Rosendale, as it would defy the intentions of Republican leaders who had intended to support Sheehy as the party’s candidate.
The race for the Montana Senate seat promises to be a fiercely contested battle, with both Rosendale and Sheehy vying for the opportunity to challenge Tester. Republicans are keen to secure this seat as part of their strategy to regain control of the Senate. However, they face multiple hurdles, including doubts about Rosendale’s ability to defeat Tester, the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s endorsement, and the challenge posed by an entrenched Democratic incumbent.
As Rosendale continues to consider his potential Senate run, Republicans must carefully assess their options and strategize to overcome these obstacles. The outcome of the Montana Senate race will have significant implications for the balance of power in Congress and will undoubtedly be closely watched by political observers nationwide.
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