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

Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.) announced Wednesday he would seek reelection in the House, nearly two weeks after he suspended his short-lived campaign for Sen. Jon Tester’s (D-Mont.) seat.

Rosendale announced earlier this month he would run for the Senate, entering the GOP primary race against Tim Sheehy. That same day, however, former President Trump endorsed Sheehy’s campaign.

“I have always said I will serve where the people of Montana feel I can be the most effective, and serving Montana in Congress has truly been the honor and privilege of a lifetime,” Rosendale said in his statement Wednesday.

“When I announced my campaign for the U.S. Senate, I believed that was the most effective way to continue serving the people of Montana. I was not able to secure President Trump’s support for that race nor the financial resources, and there was simply no viable path forward,” he continued, before praising Trump as “the greatest president in my lifetime.”

In announcing his decision to seek reelection, Rosendale endorsed Sheehy in the Senate race and called on the party to unify behind his former GOP opponent to oust Tester, who is among the most vulnerable senators up for reelection this year.

“This election, republicans across the Treasure State must be reminded of our mission: Defeating Jon Tester and taking back the U.S. Senate. Jon Tester is Chuck Schumer with a flattop. He’s New York’s third senator, and he must be retired. To do that, we must unify as a party,” he said, adding that he’s supporting Sheehy.

Rosendale said Trump was among the people who encouraged him to run again for the House seat.

“Over the last few days, I have been humbled by the [outpouring] of support I have received to run for Montana’s 2nd congressional district so we can continue our work to cut spending, secure the border, and restore America’s emergency dominance. At the urging of my family, friend, constituents, and President Trump, I announce my intention to seek re-election,” he said.