Zinke endorses political newcomer Sheehy for Senate

U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke on Wednesday threw his support behind Navy SEAL veteran and businessman turned U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, joining other prominent Montana conservatives in endorsing the Bridger Aerospace CEO.

Republicans U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, who heads up the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and Gov. Greg Gianforte have also announced their support of the businessman. By coming out behind Sheehy, Zinke also put an end to speculation that the former secretary of the Interior would run for the seat.

The Senate seat is held by Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat, who announced earlier this year he would seek a fourth term in the upper chamber.

“In 2015 I had the honor of pinning his Bronze Star and Purple Heart, and today I have the honor of endorsing Tim Sheehy to be Montana’s next U.S. Senator,” said Zinke, who is also a Navy SEAL veteran, in a statement.

Zinke’s colleague in the House, U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale is reportedly still eyeing a bid for the Senate seat. Rosendale, a Republican, ran against Tester in 2018, losing by 3.5 points. While Rosendale has not announced his intent to run, he also has yet to lend support to Sheehy.

Sheehy announced his candidacy on June 27.

Tester first took office in 2007, beating out incumbent Republican Sen. Conrad Burns with a margin of less than 1 percent. He most recently won reelection in 2018. Prior to being elected to the U.S. Senate, Tester served in the state legislature.

Sheehy is a newcomer to the political scene. The founder of Bridger Aerospace, an aerial firefighting company based in Belgrade, Sheehy also owns Little Belt Cattle Company.

“I'm running for U.S. Senate because we need strong conservative fighters to bring leadership back to Washington and protect Montana. This campaign is about service, duty, and country — not politics as usual,” Sheehy said in a statement.

Democrats currently control the Senate 51-49, making Montana’s seat a key race for both parties.