Overview

• Montana Rep. Matt Rosendale announced the end of his U.S. Senate campaign, citing former President Donald Trump's endorsement of his opponent, Tim Sheehy, as a key factor.
• Rosendale's withdrawal comes amid efforts by leading Republicans to support Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL and political newcomer, as part of a strategy to defeat Democratic Sen. Jon Tester.
• The race is expected to be one of Montana's most expensive, with spending on advertising already topping $18 million and an additional $95 million reserved for the coming months.
• Rosendale, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, had previously lost to Tester in 2018 but believed his increased name recognition and trust could lead to a different outcome in 2024.
• Montana Democrats had anticipated a potentially divisive GOP primary between Rosendale and Sheehy, which could have benefited them in the general election.