House Speaker Mike Johnson has informed several Republicans on Thursday morning that he will not endorse Rep. Matt Rosendale for a US Senate race in Montana after all, according to two sources familiar.
Johnson talked to one senator, as well as a congressman, about his plans.
The reversal comes after Punchbowl reported earlier Thursday that Johnson was preparing to back Rosendale, which prompted some swift blowback for the speaker, sources said.
The move would have put Johnson sharply at odds with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and the Senate GOP’s campaign arm, who are both supporting Republican candidate Tim Sheehy to challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Tester in what is seen as a critical race for the GOP’s effort to flip the Senate.
There’s concern among Republicans that if Rosendale — a hard right Republican who has lost statewide before — wins the primary, that they will be far less likely to win the seat in November.
Rosendale has not announced a candidacy for Senate but is expected to jump into the race soon.
Johnson’s team, in a statement to CNN, said the speaker would donate to Rosendale’s campaign, but said he will not be making any official endorsements.
“The Speaker has committed to sending a contribution to Congressman Rosendale, as he has for other House colleagues and friends, but he has not made any endorsements in Senate races,” said Greg Steele, the communications director for Johnson’s political team. “He is singularly focused on growing the House majority.”
Sen. Steve Daines of Montana, the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, confirmed he spoke to the speaker about his plans.
This story has been updated with additional developments.
