HELENA (AP) – President Donald Trump wrote Friday he plans to campaign in Montana in support of Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines’ reelection bid.
Daines is running against Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock in a key battle that could help determine the majority party in the U.S. Senate.
Daines, writing on Twitter, thanked voters for their support in Tuesday’s primary election and added: “Let’s win this in November!“
Trump responded with: “No contest. Steve blows him away. So important for Montana. I’ll be there to help Steve win big!!!”
Daines responded: “Montana can’t wait to have you back, Mr. President!”
No dates have been announced. Montana’s current coronavirus-related directives include a restriction on groups of more than 50 in which social distancing cannot be maintained.
Trump visited Montana four times in 2018 for rallies on behalf of Republican candidates, including Matt Rosendale, in his unsuccessful effort to unseat Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester. Donald Trump Jr. and Vice President Mike Pence also visited Montana to campaign on behalf of Republican candidates in 2018.
The president acknowledged at his fourth rally that his interest in the Senate race stemmed from anger at Tester, whom he blamed for the withdrawal of his first nominee to head the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, White House physician Ronny Jackson.
