Republican State Auditor Matt Rosendale will be Montana’s next representative in Congress after defeating Democrat Kathleen Williams. The Associated Press called the race late last night.
Rosendale came out victorious in his second run at the job.
Rosendale, who has served one term as the state’s commissioner of insurance and securities, touted his work in that office throughout his campaign.
In a phone call after winning Montana’s lone House seat, Rosendale said his work to reform health care policy and reduce regulations for businesses appealed to voters.
“These are all things I’ve been able to do in my state agency, which gives me credibility when I say I want to do that same work at the federal level.”
Rosendale was declared winner after both the Montana gubernatorial and U.S. Senate races were called for Republicans, completing the GOP sweep of the top state contests on the ballot.
“I cannot thank the people across this state enough for the outpouring of support that they’ve made and how humbled I am to be representing them.”
Democrat Williams, a former state lawmaker, gave a concession speech in her hometown of Bozeman.
“A few minutes ago, I called Matt Rosendale to congratulate him on this election. He is a man committed to his family and faith and I wish him, as we all should, incredible success in representing our state in the U.S. House.”
Rosendale’s win continues Republican’s two-decade hold on Montana’s U.S. House Seat.
