A Republican civil war was about to erupt over the Montana Senate race before House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) decided to withdraw from the Republican primary, Fox News Digital has learned.
Three sources told Fox News Digital that Johnson had planned to endorse Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.) for the U.S. Senate, but after pushback from Republicans. We changed our policy.
The person said, “Mr. Johnson had intended to support Mr. Rosendale, but after receiving extreme backlash from Mr. Trump’s allies on the Hill, he withdrew his support and decided not to support him.” said. “He told at least one senator, at least one congressman, that he was no longer going to support them after the blowback.”
Another source suggested those two lawmakers are Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) and Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.).
“On reflection, I can confirm that the chairman is not endorsing Mr. Rosendale in the Senate race,” Zinke told Fox News Digital. I am confident that it is based on the reality that there is.” [Democratic Sen. Jon Tester]. ”
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House Speaker Mike Johnson has withdrawn his plan to support Sen. Matt Rosendale, Fox News Digital reported. (Getty Images)
Daines is chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), the campaign arm of Senate Republicans tasked with regaining the majority in November’s election. That includes a pickup chance that Republicans hope will unseat Mr. Daines’ fellow Montanan, Mr. Tester.
Both he and Zinke have endorsed former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy, who has also been endorsed by Montana’s governor and other Republican leaders.
Rosendale, a member of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus, is not in the race but is expected to be.
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Rosendale is widely expected to run for U.S. Senate. (Samuel Colm)
A second person said Zinke and Daines were “outraged” by Johnson’s support for Rosendale, which was first reported by Punchbowl. The official also said it was Mr. Rosendale who asked the speakers for support.
Another person familiar with Zinke’s thinking told Fox News Digital: “Speaker called Mr. Zinke last night. It was a good conversation. Mr. Zinke supports Speaker’s decision not to get involved.” Told.
The endorsement would be an unusual move for Mr Johnson, who has publicly sought to downplay the divisions within the party since becoming party leader in October.
Johnson’s campaign told Fox News Digital: “The Speaker of the House has pledged to send contributions to Rosendale, as well as other members of Congress and his friends, but has not expressed any support in the Senate race. “He has a special focus on growing his majority in the House.” . ”
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Montana is seen as crucial to Republicans’ chances of taking back the Senate next year. Tester, who has been in office since 2007, has survived several close races in increasingly red states.
Tim Sheehy is running to unseat Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont. (Fox News Digital)
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In 2020, former President Donald Trump won the state over President Biden by about 16 percentage points. He is not endorsing anyone in the Montana Senate race.
Fox News Digital reached out to Rosendale’s campaign but did not immediately receive a response. A spokesperson for Daines’ Senate office referred Fox News Digital to the NRSC.
