Former President Donald Trump has endorsed first-time candidate Tim Sheehy in Montana’s Republican Senate primary, hours after Republican Rep. Matt Rosendale entered the race.

The ex-president showered praise on Mr. Sheehy, an aerospace millionaire and veteran, writing Friday on his Truth Social platform that the businessman is “far more likely” to be beat longtime incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Tester.

“I also respect Matt Rosendale, and was very happy to Endorse him in the past — and will Endorse him again in the future should he decide to change course and run for his Congressional Seat,” Mr. Trump said. “But in this instance, Tim is the candidate who is currently best-positioned to DEFEAT Lazy Jon Tester, and Regain the Republican Majority in the United States Senate.”

Republicans view the race in red Montana as a must-win to regain control of the upper chamber.

An endorsement from Mr. Trump could give Mr. Sheehy an edge in what is sure to be a competitive primary fight. Mr. Sheehy also has endorsements from Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte and Rep. Ryan Zinke, who served as secretary of the interior under Mr. Trump.

Meanwhile, Mr. Rosendale has styled himself as a staunch supporter of Mr. Trump‘s agenda, and has promised to be a foil to the Senate’s top Republican, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. Mr. McConnell has long been at odds with Mr. Trump, who is poised to recapture the GOP nomination for president.

“I love President Trump. But he needs actual fighters in the U.S. Senate to enact his Agenda 47 - and that’s me and not Mitch McConnell’s hand pick, Tim Sheehy,” Mr. Rosendale said on X. “I’m going to win this primary, defeat Jon Tester in November and together we will Make America Great Again!”

• Alex Miller can be reached at amiller@washingtontimes.com.