Second Republican Joins Montana 2024 US Senate Race to Challenge Democrat Incumbent

Former Montana Secretary of State and Public Service Commission chair Brad Johnson is the second Republican to officially enter the 2024 race to challenge three-term Democrat Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.). Mr. Johnson, a 40-year veteran of Montana politics, formally declared his candidacy in an Oct. 17 announcement, joining former Navy SEAL and aerial firefighting company CEO Tim Sheehy, who launched his campaign in June. Mr. Sheehy has already been endorsed by the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) led by Montana’s junior senator, Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, and Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.), also a former Navy SEAL. Waiting in the wings, teasing a run but not formerly jumping into the race as a declared candidate, is Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.), a “Make America Great Again” conservative and fiscal hardliner who has played a prominent role in the unfolding congressional budget standoffs and House speaker battles....