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Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Montana Representative Matt Rosendale.
House Speaker Mike Johnson told several Republican senators Thursday morning that he will not end up endorsing Rep. Matt Rosendale in the Montana Senate race, two people familiar with the matter said.
Mr. Johnson spoke with one senator as well as a member of the House of Representatives about his plans.
The reversal comes after Punchbowl reported earlier Thursday that Johnson was preparing to endorse Rosendale, sparking a swift backlash against him, people said.
The move would put Mr. Johnson at odds with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and the Senate Republican campaign arm. They all support Republican candidate Tim Sheehy, who is challenging Democratic Sen. Jon Tester, in what is seen as a key race for the Republican effort. Flip the Senate.
There is concern among Republicans that if Mr. Rosendale, a far-right Republican who has previously lost statewide, wins the primary, his chances of winning the seat in November will be significantly reduced.
Rosendale has not announced his candidacy for the Senate, but is expected to jump into the race soon.
Mr. Johnson’s team said in a statement to CNN that the chairman will donate to Mr. Rosendale’s campaign, but will not publicly endorse him.
Greg Steele, director of communications for Mr Johnson’s political team, said: “The congressman has committed to sending contributions to Rosendale, as have other members of Congress and his friends, but he has not expressed any support in the Senate race.” “I haven’t.” “He has a particular focus on increasing his House majority.”
Sen. Steve Daines (Montana), chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, acknowledged that he had spoken with the chairman about his plan.
This story has been updated with additional developments.
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