Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., will not seek re-election in Montana’s 2nd Congressional District, citing the “current attacks” against him as the reason for deciding to drop out of the race.
Rosendale entered the Senate race in Montana in February after months of speculation that he was planning to enter the race, but he abruptly dropped out less than a week after his announcement.
The congressman then filed to run for re-election in his Montana district, but he announced Friday that he will not run for another term.
“Since that announcement, I have been forced by law enforcement to visit my children due to death threats against me and false and defamatory rumors against me and my family,” Rosendale said in a statement released -announcement of his suspension from the campaign. “This has caused serious harm to me, and my family. Additionally, it has caused serious disruption in the election of the next representative for MT-02.”
DONALD TRUMP ENDORSES ‘AMERICAN HERO’ TIM SHEEHY IN BATTLEGROUND SENATE RACE
![](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/03/1200/675/rosendalerac.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., will not seek re-election in Montana in 2024. (Tom Williams)
“To me, public service has really always been about service, not titles or positions of power. The current attacks have made it impossible for me to focus on my work to serve you,” Rosendale continued. “So for the good of my family and community, I am withdrawing from the race of the house and will not seek office.”
MONTANA CONSERVATIVE FIREBRAND, RETURNS SENATE RACE AFTER TRUMP ENDORSES OPPONENT
Rosendale added that “it has been an honor to serve you and may God bless each and every one of you.”
![Matt Rosendale](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/05/1200/675/GettyImages-1454456062.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Matt Rosendale delivers remarks to the House of Representatives on the third day of the election for Speaker of the House at the US Capitol Building on January 05, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Win at McNamee)
Rosendale’s exit leaves the Montana seat open through 2025, as Republicans attempt to hold on to their slim majority in the House.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
In the running for Rosendale’s open Montana seat are State Auditor Troy Downing, Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen, former Montana State Senator Ric Holden and former DEA agent Stacy Zinn.