Republican Senate candidate Tim Sheehy is coming after his new primary opponent, Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT), by mocking the congressman over how he pronounces Montana.
In a 30-second clip, Sheehy compiled several videos of Rosendale saying “Montana,” poking fun at the way he says the state’s name.
“Matt, this is your 8th political run in the last 14 years and you still can’t say Montana right,” Sheehy wrote on X. “It’s going to be a long 4 months….”
Rosendale ignored the wishes of several establishment Republicans, many of whom are throwing their full support behind Sheehy, and launched a bid for Sen. Jon Tester’s (D-MT) seat on Friday. A member of the conservative Freedom Caucus, Rosendale has become a source of controversy in Congress. He is one of eight Republicans who voted to oust former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy last year.
His Senate race entry could set up a rematch of his 2018 race against Tester, in which he lost by 3 percentage points. He will face a tough and expensive primary, as Sheehy has the support of institutional Republicans, numerous big-money GOP donors, and large personal coffers.
Tester commented on the level of money being funneled into the Montana Senate race, which is one of the most important Democratic seats the party has to defend in 2024, on Friday.
“It’s official—Matt Rosendale just launched his campaign to run against me. Again,” Tester wrote on X. “This will be the most expensive and competitive race in Montana’s history. I’m no stranger to tough fights, but I’ll need your help. Can I count on you to join me?”
He linked to a fundraiser page, urging donors to contribute and raise $250,000 in 24 hours.
Tester also posted an unsourced poll that shows him at 45% over Rosendale’s 40%.
“Political experts are saying Montana is a complete toss-up, but a recent poll has us in the lead against my potential GOP opponent—proving we can win,” Tester said.
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Sheehy’s supporters are going on the offensive against Rosendale as well.
“It’s unfortunate that rather than building seniority for our great state in the House, Matt is choosing to abandon his seat and create a divisive primary,” National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Steve Daines (R-MT) said in a statement. “Whichever party wins the Montana Senate seat will control the United States Senate in 2024, and Republicans cannot risk nominating a candidate who gave Jon Tester the biggest victory of his career.”
