Former President Donald Trump gave his coveted endorsement to Republican Senate hopeful Tim Sheehy on Friday, just hours after Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT) announced his bid for the Montana seat.

Trump praised Sheehy as an “American hero” who is in the best position to beat Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) in November because he has the support of the GOP Senate campaign arm, including Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT). 

“Tim is a Political Outsider, Strong on the Border, the Military/Vets, and our constantly under siege Second Amendment,” Trump posted to Truth Social. “He will stand tall in the fight against the Radical Left Democrats, who are Destroying our Country. Also, he is far more likely to Defeat Lazy Jon. America First Patriot Tim Sheehy has my Complete and Total Endorsement!”

Trump’s endorsement of Sheehy was expected, but he stopped short of attacking Rosendale, who he said would have his support if he decided to run for reelection in the House. Republicans were hoping to avoid multiple candidates in the state primary in order to keep the party united around a single candidate.

The decision to avoid supporting Rosendale comes after the congressman failed to secure the seat against Tester in 2018. Rosendale only lost to Tester by 3 points in the last election, but the seat is seen as pivotal in flipping the Senate.

Rosendale, a member of the conservative Freedom Caucus, has also become a lightning rod for controversy in Congress and is one of the eight Republicans who voted to oust former Rep. Kevin McCarthy from the speakership last year. He has secured the support, however, of fellow McCarthy ouster Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL).

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The Republican’s campaign has also faced backlash from Trumpworld, which views Rosendale as disloyal over his decision not to take the former president’s phone call on the House floor as he resisted McCarthy’s ascent to the speakership. 

Rosendale also gave Trump a late endorsement for his 2024 White House run despite the former president stumping for him during his 2018 Senate bid.