Montana Republican Party says it will not endorse any candidates for federal office

HELENA, Mont. - The Montana Republican Party (MTGOP) announced in a press release on Thursday that it will not endorse any candidate for federal office "at this time."

The party thanked Representative Ryan Zinke and Senator Steve Daines for their public service. Both dropped their bids for reelection shortly before the candidate filing deadline.

"At this time, the MTGOP will not be endorsing any candidate for federal office, instead leaving that decision to Montana voters," the party said. "The party hopes every candidate will make their case to the public, contrasting their Republican policies and principles with those of Democrats—as well as phony 'Independents'."

Former University of Montana President Seth Bodnar recently announced his run for Senate as an independent, although MTGOP did not directly reference him.

"The number of primaries for state legislative seats also shows the high level of interest in serving Montanans and passing Republican policy through our state lawmaking process," MTGOP said. "The MTGOP is glad to see so many Republicans being called to public service."