A second Republican candidate threw his hat into the ring Wednesday hoping to unseat Sen. Jon Tester, Montana Democrat, in a competitive race that the GOP hopes will help shift the chamber’s balance of power its way.

Brad Johnson, former Montana secretary of state and ex-chairman of the state’s Public Service Commission, pitched his candidacy as a “true Montana conservative.”

“I am running because this isn’t an election we can relegate to slick D.C. gimmicks nor second chances with failed candidates,” Mr. Johnson said in a statement. “We are losing our country, and it is time for real leadership that shoots straight with Montanans, understands our values and gets things done for our future.”

Mr. Johnson is likely to face long odds in the primary against fellow Republican Tim Sheehy, a businessman and ex-Navy SEAL who is the preferred candidate among the party’s establishment and Senate leadership, including Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Mr. Sheehy raised nearly $2.9 million from July 1 to Sept. 30 — including a $500,000 loan from himself — and ended the third quarter with $1.1 million cash on hand.

Mr. Tester raised more than $5 million during the same period and had $13 million cash on hand.

Rep. Matt Rosendale is also considering a Republican run but is being discouraged by Senate Republican leadership over concerns the Trump ally would lose to Mr. Tester in the general election.

Mr. Johnson served as secretary of state from 2005 to 2009 and was on the Public Service Commission from 2015 to 2023.

• Ramsey Touchberry can be reached at rtouchberry@washingtontimes.com.