It was a consequential week for the 2024 race for control of the Senate , where Democrats were dealt both a political gift and a new challenge in races in Montana and Maryland as they attempt to hold on to their slim Senate majority.
Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT) announced Friday that he will run for Senate in Montana , defying the wishes of national Republicans and setting up a contentious primary to take on vulnerable Democratic Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) . Meanwhile, in Maryland, Republican Larry Hogan , the popular former governor, said he plans to run for the state’s open Senate seat, potentially making the race to replace Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) more competitive than previously thought.
In Montana, Republicans had hoped to avoid a bitter primary in what they see as a must-win state. Tim Sheehy already has the backing of the National Republican Senatorial Committee and also received a key endorsement from former President Donald Trump hours after Rosendale announced his decision to jump into the race.