Rosendale seeking reelection to Montana House seat after dropping out of Senate race

Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.) announced his bid for re-election to the House on Wednesday, about two weeks after suspending his brief campaign for Sen. Jon Tester’s (D-Mont.) seat. announced that he was aiming for

Rosendale announced earlier this month that he would run for Senate in the Republican primary against Tim Sheehy. But on the same day, former President Trump endorsed Sheehy’s campaign.

“I have always said I will serve the people of Montana where I feel I can best serve,” Rosendale said in a statement Wednesday. “Serving in the Montana State Legislature is truly the honor of a lifetime. It’s a privilege.”

“When I announced my campaign for the U.S. Senate, I believed it was the most effective way to continue to serve the people of Montana. There was simply no viable path forward,” he continued, praising Trump as “the greatest president of my lifetime.”

In announcing his determination to seek re-election, Mr. Rosendale endorsed Mr. Sheehy in the Senate race, calling his former Republican opponent to oust Mr. Tester, one of the most vulnerable senators up for re-election this year. He called on the party to unite in support of the

“In this election, Republicans across the Treasure State must remember our mission to defeat Jon Tester and take back the United States Senate. Jon Tester is the Chuck Schumer of flattops. He is New York’s third senator and should be retiring, and we have to come together as a party to do that,” he said, adding that he supports Mr. Sheehy.

Rosendale said Trump was one of the people who encouraged him to run again for Congress.

“I have felt very humbled over the past few days. [outpouring] The majority of the support I received to run for Montana’s 2nd Congressional District will help us continue our efforts to reduce spending, secure our borders, and restore America’s emergency advantage. It’s meant to be. At the urging of my family, friends, voters, and President Trump, I announce my intention to seek reelection.”