Trump endorses Aaron Flint in Montana's western congressional primary race

President Donald Trump endorsed Republican congressional candidate Aaron Flint on Tuesday, giving him an extra leg up in a field that swelled to three just 24 hours after the incumbent bowed out.

Trump endorsed Flint, a conservative talk radio host and combat veteran, for the state's western congressional district in a Truth Social post, calling the candidate a "MAGA Warrior."

"As your next Congressman, Aaron will work tirelessly to Champion our Amazing Farmers and Ranchers, Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Support our Military/Veterans, Safeguard our Elections, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment," Trump wrote.

"HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!" he added.

Trump's social media post came just a few hours after Montana's Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, whose campaign announcement prominently featured 2024 footage of Trump endorsing her reelection effort that year.

"As secretary of state, she stood shoulder to shoulder with President Trump, securing our elections and cleaning up Montana's voter rolls," the video voiceover says.

Jacobsen did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Flint, Jacobsen and Dr. Al Olszewski, all filed to run for Montana's first congressional district within the last two days after U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke unexpectedly announced that he would not seek a fifth term. Zinke, a Republican, cited ongoing health issues and upcoming surgeries that are not life threatening.

Flint has already secured an endorsement from nearly all of the state's top Republicans, including Zinke U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy, Gov. Greg Gianforte and U.S. Rep. Troy Downing.

The new candidates and flurry of endorsements comes at the last minute as the deadline to file to run for office in Montana is Wednesday.

This district was newly created after the 2020 census and has never been held by anyone but Zinke, despite the fact that it includes the liberal strongholds of Bozeman, Butte and Missoula. There is also a crowded primary race on the Democratic side where four candidates have launched campaigns.