Trump endorses Rosendale in U.S. House race

President Donald Trump on Wednesday endorsed Matt Rosendale, Republican candidate for the 2020 U.S. House race, calling him a “strong and conservative fighter for Montana.”

The president made his endorsement via Twitter, a favorite social media platform of his.

“Matt stands w/ our Brave Veterans, Loves our Military, and he will continue working to Secure our Border. Matt will NEVER let our #2A go unprotected. Matt has my Total Endorsement!”

Rosendale, who now serves as state auditor, is among six Republican candidates running for the June 2 primary.

The others are Joe Dooling, John Evankovich, Timothy Alan Johnson, Debra Lamm and Corey Stapleton.

The general election is Nov. 3.

Democrats in the race include Kathleen Williams and Tom Winter.

The Rosendale campaign called the Tweet the “most coveted” endorsement.

“The momentum for our campaign continues to grow stronger and stronger, and we couldn’t be prouder to have the support of President Donald J. Trump,” Rosendale said in an email.

He said Trump, who won Montana in the 2016 election, has delivered on promises, “and I’ll be there every step of the way to help him continue this work and to improve the lives of all Montanans as your next U.S. Congressman.”

This is not Trump’s first foray into Montana politics.

He campaigned four times in Montana in 2018 in Rosendale’s run for senator and for U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte’s re-election to the House.

Despite that, Democratic incumbent Sen. Jon Tester defeated Rosendale. Gianforte is now running for governor, leaving his U.S. House seat an open race.

Several big-name Montana politicians have made endorsements so far in the race.

Tester and Gov. Steve Bullock endorsed Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney for governor. He faces Whitney Williams in the Democratic primary.

Last week, former senator and ambassador to China Max Baucus endorsed Raph Graybill in the attorney general race. Graybill faces fellow Democrat Kimberly Dudik in the June primary. Republicans in the race are Austin Knudsen and Jon Bennion.

Adds John Evankovich to name of candidates. Phil Drake is our eye on the state capitol. For tips, suggestions or comment, he can be reached at 406-231-9021 or pdrake@greatfallstribune.com.

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