Troy Downing, a Montana businessman seeking to challenge Sen. Jon Tester Jonathan (Jon) TesterPence seeks to boost Daines in critical Montana Senate race This World Suicide Prevention Day, let's recommit to protecting the lives of our veterans Filibuster fight looms if Democrats retake Senate MORE (D-Mont.) next year, has chosen Lola Zinke to be his new campaign manager.

Zinke, the wife of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke Ryan Keith ZinkeTrump extends Florida offshore drilling pause, expands it to Georgia, South Carolina Conspicuous by their absence from the Republican Convention Trump flails as audience dwindles and ratings plummet MORE, worked on President Trump’s campaign last year and was a member of the transition team for the Veterans Affairs Department after the election.

“This isn’t title only, I’m going to be hands-on in this campaign because it’s vital for Montana and America that we elect Troy,” Lola Zinke said in a statement.

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“I first met Troy on a fishing trip and his kindness, intelligence, youthful enthusiasm, business experience and amazing military history made me think that one day he must serve his state and country again. And right now is the perfect time,” she added.

Downing, a businessman and commercial real estate professional, is one of four candidates seeking to oppose Tester next year.

Ryan Zinke himself was once considered a leading Republican challenger to Tester, but Trump picked the former congressman to head his Interior Department instead.

Lola Zinke was a member of Trump’s Hispanic and women’s outreach efforts last year.

She wrote a Breitbart News op-ed last October saying she supported Trump because of his support for the military and because “I believe Trump’s business acumen will help build a stronger economy and he will surround himself with incredibly smart and successful individuals rather than career bureaucrats.”

Downing said in a statement that “Lola brings our campaign to an entirely new level.”

"Her dynamic presence is a major addition to our team as we give the citizens of Montana a clear conservative voice focused on Montana values, not Washington D.C.’s [Sen.] Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth WarrenBiden's fiscal program: What is the likely market impact? Warren, Schumer introduce plan for next president to cancel ,000 in student debt The Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - Don't expect a government check anytime soon MORE (D-Mass.) values,” he added.

Lola Zinke's decision to back Downing also gives him a major leg up in his crowded GOP primary.

Her support could give Downing a boost among the Interior secretary's network of supporters and donors.

State Auditor Matt Rosendale, state Sen. Albert Olszewski and former state Rep. Russell Fagg are among the candidates fighting for the chance to take on Tester.

Ben Kamisar contributed to this report, which was updated at 12:07 p.m.