Montana GOP Rep. Matt Rosendale wins primary race

Incumbent GOP Rep. Matt Rosendale will continue on to the Montana District 2 general election after easily winning his party's nomination on Tuesday.

Rosendale won his district's primary race with more than 70% of the vote, the Associated Press reported.

Montana gained one congressional seat following the 2020 Census, making 2022 the first year for Montana to elect two U.S. representatives. Former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is vying for Montana's District 1 Republican House nomination.

Zinke held Montana's at-large seat from 2015 to 2017 before quitting to join the Trump administration as secretary of the interior. Rosendale has represented all of Montana since 2021.

Despite having the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, Zinke has been embroiled in controversy over his time as interior secretary. An inspector general's report in February showed Zinke allegedly used his position to inappropriately develop a project in his home state. Zinke, also a former Navy SEAL, reportedly provided incorrect information when he was confronted about the project.

While Montana is one of seven states to have a split U.S. Senate delegation, a Democrat has not won the House seat since 1994, according to NPR.

Former President Donald Trump's endorsement may play a factor in who wins the midterm election this fall, as he won Montana with more than 56% in 2020.