Montana Rep. Rosendale to seek reelection after dropping Senate campaign

"I have always said I will serve where the people of Montana feel I can be most effective, and serving Montana in Congress has truly been the honor and privilege of a lifetime," he said.

By Ben Whedon

Published: February 28, 2024 3:32pm

Montana Republican Rep. Matt Rosendale on Wednesday confirmed that he would seek reelection in the lower chamber after ending a brief Senate campaign to oust Montana Democratic Sen. Jon Tester.

Earlier this month, Rosendale announced his Senate bid, hoping for a rematch after losing to Tester in 2018. He ended the campaign within a week, however, as former President Donald Trump and Senate leadership largely lined up behind businessman Tim Sheehy for the party nod.

"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 energy dominance," Rosendale said in a statement. "At the urging of my family, friends, constituents, and President Trump, I announce my intention to seek re-election."

"I have always said I will serve where the people of Montana feel I can be most effective, and serving Montana in Congress has truly been the honor and privilege of a lifetime," he said, before expressing support for Trump and Sheehy.

Montana is expected to be a close contest in the battle for control of the Senate in 2024.