Donald Trump on Friday endorsed former Navy SEAL and businessman Tim Sheehy in the U.S. Senate race in Montana against Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.), a supporter of the former president and a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus.
Rosendale, one of eight Republican lawmakers who voted with Democrats to unseat former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) last October, officially entered the race just hours before Trump endorsed his opponent.
“Tim Sheehy is an American hero and a highly successful businessman from the great state of Montana,” Trump said in a Truth Social post. “He has the strong support of our incredible NRSC Chairman, Steve Daines, and many other senators and patriotic Republicans who have supported our campaign to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Trump stopped short of attacking Rosendale in his endorsement of Sheehy, explaining that while he has “respect” for the congressman, he feels Sheehy is “better positioned” to defeat incumbent Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.).
Sheehy (left) is a former Navy SEAL, rancher, and founder of an aerial firefighting company. Facebook/Tim Sheehy “America’s first patriot, Tim Sheehy, has my complete and total endorsement!” Trump said in a Truth Social post. AFP via Getty Images
“I also respect Matt Rosendale, and I was very happy to endorse him in the past, and I will endorse him again in the future if he decides to change course and run for his seat in Congress,” Trump said. “But in this case, Tim is the candidate who is currently best positioned to DEFEAT Lazy Jon Tester and regain the Republican majority in the United States Senate.”
Sheehy, a political newcomer, is a rancher and founder of Bridger Aerospace, an aerial fighting and wildfire management company.
His candidacy has also been endorsed by South Dakota Republican Gov. Kristi Noem and several Republican senators, including Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), and John Barrasso (R-Wyoming).
“Tim is a political outsider, strong on the border, the military and veterans and our Second Amendment constantly under siege,” Trump argued. “He will remain steadfast in the fight against the radical left democrats, who are destroying our country. Furthermore, he is much more likely to defeat Lazy Jon.”
“America First Patriot, Tim Sheehy, has my complete and total endorsement!”
Rosendale filed to enter the race the same day Trump endorsed Sheehy. AP
Meanwhile, Rosendale has already racked up endorsements from Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Sens. Mike Lee (R-Utah), Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and the Montana Senate . President Jason Ellsworth and the Gun Owners of America lobby group.
His support for Trump seemed unwavering despite failing to win his endorsement.
“I love President Trump. But he needs real fighters in the United States Senate to implement his Agenda 47, and that is me and not Mitch McConnell’s pick, Tim Sheehy,” Rosendale said. wrote in X.
“I’m going to win this primary, defeat Jon Tester in November, and together we’ll make America great again!”
The Montana Senate primary elections will be held on June 4.
Categories: Trending
Source: vtt.edu.vn