Gianforte is expected to make an official announcement in conjunction with the Montana Republican Party convention in Helena at the end of next week.

With Gianforte running for governor, it leaves the U.S. House seat open. Earlier this month, the former chair and vice chair of the Montana Republican Party and two central committee chairs signed a letter to the editor saying Gianforte's bid for "governor has us deeply concerned."

The letter says "The possibility of an open congressional seat is already enticing a mass of current Republican statewide officeholders to leave their current offices. Offices we just took back from the Democrats. If Gianforte chooses not to run as the incumbent for Congress, the subsequent 'Republican shuffle' creates a strong likelihood that Democrats will regain power in our state."

The letter, which points to Fox as the preferred candidate for governor, is signed by Liane Johnson, former chair and vice chair of the Montana Republican Party, as well as Ted Kronebusch, chair of the Pondera County Republican Central Committee; and Chris Hindoien, chair of the Teton County Republican Central Committee.

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