Montana Rep. Matt Rosendale to enter senate race, adding intrigue to republican efforts for 2024

Montana's Republican Representative Matt Rosendale has announced his bid for the Senate, adding a new layer of complexity to the GOP's efforts to secure the seat in the 2024 elections. Rosendale, a member of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus, revealed his decision in a video posted on X, making him the second Republican contender challenging incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Tester.

Primary battle and backing

The announcement sets the stage for a primary battle against Tim Sheehy, a veteran and prosperous businessman who enjoys the backing of National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Steve Daines and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Rosendale's decision to run comes despite initial hopes from Daines for him to retain his House seat and build seniority. Although Sheehy is seen as having greater appeal in a general election, Rosendale's entry into the race has injected further unpredictability into the contest.

Anti-Establishment stance

The Congressman's vocal opposition to the GOP establishment has drawn attention, particularly his defiance against Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Rosendale's campaign is expected to be marked by a strain of anti-establishment rhetoric, as exemplified by his statement, "Mitch McConnell and the D.C. Cartel are terrified about me going to the U.S. Senate. They know they can't control me; they know I won't vote for McConnell as Leader. But they are fixin' to find out that in Montana, we don't take orders from Washington; we send orders to Washington!"

Party dynamics and contest

The impending endorsement from House Speaker Mike Johnson, which was expected before being retracted, suggests that Rosendale's candidacy is already causing ripples within the Republican Party. With Rosendale's entry into the race, the stage is set for a dynamic and fiercely contested Republican primary in Montana as the 2024 elections loom.