Ryan Zinke joins national Republicans in backing Tim Sheehy for Montana Senate race

Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) endorsed Tim Sheehy in his bid to topple incumbent Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) and help Republicans regain control of the Senate in 2024.

Zinke, at one time considered a contender for the seat, is the latest prominent GOP lawmaker to line up behind Sheehy in a crucial race that national Republicans view as essential to reclaiming the Senate next year.

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“Tim Sheehy not only is a war hero, but he also represents the next generation of leadership,” Zinke told Fox News on Wednesday. “He served this country, his wife is a marine, he understands sacrifice, and he also understands success.”

Sheehy launched his campaign last week by highlighting his Navy Seal background as one reason Montana voters should support him. His success as a wealthy founder of Bridger Aerospace was a draw for national Republicans looking for candidates who could self-fund.

“Whether it was in war or business, I see problems and solve them. America needs conservative leaders who love our country, and that’s why I’m running for the United States Senate,” Sheehy said in his launch video.

The same day, Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, endorsed Sheehy. “Tim Sheehy is a decorated veteran, successful businessman, and a great Montanan,” Daines said in a statement. “I could not be happier that he has decided to enter the Montana Senate race.”

Daines had been wooing Sheehy to take on Tester, one of several vulnerable Senate Democrats, in 2024. Republicans believe Montana’s red leanings — it voted for Trump by 16 points in 2020 — make it a prime pickup opportunity.

After what were disappointing results for Republicans in 2022’s midterm elections, Daines has taken an active role in recruiting candidates to run for Senate, a departure from his predecessor last cycle. They viewed Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT), another Montana lawmaker who is expected to announce his candidacy for the Senate seat, as unelectable in the general election. He previously lost to Tester in 2018 by more than 3 points.

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Zinke joins a number of Republicans who have endorsed Sheehy so far, including Sens. Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Gov. Greg Gianforte (R-MT).

“Montana is thirsting for leadership. And we have big issues ahead of us,” Zinke told Fox News. “We have a debt. We have a looming China. We have the border. We have a lot of serious and daunting task ahead, and it’s going to take courage and leadership to address this.”