Matt Rosendale ends short-lived Senate campaign in Montana

Rep. Matt Rosendale of Montana, the right-wing candidate vying for the state's contested Senate seat this year, is dropping out of the Republican primary, he said in a statement Thursday.

He announced his withdrawal less than a week after formally entering the race. Just hours after he began his campaign, former President Donald J. Trump endorsed Tim Sheehy, a businessman and retired Navy SEAL who was Rosendale's opponent in the primary. With the party establishment appearing to rally behind Mr. Sheehy and Mr. Trump also voicing his support, Mr. Rosendale struggled to see a way forward.

“Due to my calculations with Trump supporting my opponent and the lack of resources, the hill was simply too steep,” Rosendale said in a statement, adding that he had spoken with Steve Daines, the state's Republican senator, who is also in charge has. of the Republicans' re-election efforts in the Senate. “We both agree that this is the best path forward for Republicans to regain the majority in the U.S. Senate.”

The news of Mr. Rosendale's withdrawal was previously reported by Politico. Mr. Rosendale did not say whether he would support Mr. Sheehy. The news makes Mr. Sheehy the favorite to win the nomination and take on Jon Tester, the Democratic incumbent, in November.