"Hard-right Rosendale's Upset Bid Threatens GOP Plans in Montana Senate Race Dominated by Trump"

Republican leaders in Montana are rallying behind Tim Sheehy as their preferred candidate in the state's Senate race against Democratic incumbent Jon Tester, while hoping to prevent conservative hardliner Matt Rosendale from using his association with former President Donald Trump to gain the nomination. Rosendale, who lost to Tester in 2018, recently endorsed Trump and is positioning himself as a MAGA warrior. However, GOP leaders view him as an unreliable general election candidate and fear he could jeopardize their chances of winning the Senate majority. The outcome of the primary race could have significant implications for Democrats, who are defending more seats in 2024.