(NewsNation) — U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.) told NewsNation’s “Morning in America” he’s running for Montana’s Senate seat to help Donald Trump, despite the former president endorsing Rosendale’s opponent.
“We were trying to figure out who was going to be in the best position to help President Trump move his agenda forward when he regains control of the White House again,” Rosendale said.
Trump, however, has endorsed Republican businessman Tim Sheehy in the contest for outgoing Democratic Sen. John Tester.
Rosendale told NewsNation that even though he’s not getting Trump’s endorsement, he can still draw a contrast between himself and Sheehy.
“I was supporting Trump when he was indicted by Alvin Bragg. Tim Sheehy was making contributions to Nikki Haley’s presidential run and Tim Scott’s presidential run,” Rosendale said.
Rosendale’s entry to the race may threaten the GOP with a bitter primary ahead of a general election seen as central to its effort to regain control of the upper chamber in November.
Rosendale told NewsNation he’s not worried about a primary with Sheehy.
“I’m fighting the new Green Deal provisions in our legislation that is enriching Democrat supporters across the country,” said Rosendale. Tim Sheehy was one of the people who were gaining the support and enriching himself over that.”
Either Sheehy or Rosendale will eventually have to face Sen. John Tester, a well-positioned moderate who has served in the Senate for 17 years.
NewsNation affiliate The Hill contributed to this report.