Matthew Rosendale Sr.

Matthew M. Rosendale, Sr. is an American politician and former real estate developer who served as a U.S. Representative for Montana's 2nd congressional district from 2021 until 2025. A member of the Republican Party, Rosendale's political career spans various levels of government in Montana, including service in the state legislature and as state auditor. His tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives followed his election to represent Montana's at-large congressional district in 2020, after which he was elected to the newly established 2nd congressional district in 2022.

Early life and career

Matthew Rosendale was born on July 7, 1960, in Baltimore, Maryland. He completed his secondary education at Queen Anne's County High School in Centreville, Maryland, graduating in 1978. Following high school, Rosendale attended Chesapeake College in Maryland but did not complete a degree program. He is notable for being one of the few sitting U.S. Representatives without a college degree, alongside colleagues Lauren Boebert and Mike Bost.

Prior to entering politics, Rosendale worked in real estate development and land management in Maryland. In 2002, he relocated to Glendive, Montana, where he became involved in local community activities. He was elected twice as chairman of the Glendive Agri-Trade Expo committee, which organizes an agricultural exposition aimed at promoting agribusiness in eastern Montana. This involvement in local affairs laid the groundwork for his subsequent political career.

House tenure

Rosendale's political career began at the state level, where he served in the Montana House of Representatives from 2011 to 2013. He successfully ran for the House District 38 seat, which encompasses parts of Wibaux and Dawson County, defeating the Democratic incumbent in the general election. During his time in the Montana House, Rosendale participated in several committees, including the Business and Labor Committee, the Transportation Committee, and the Local Government Committee.

Following his tenure in the Montana House, Rosendale was elected to the Montana Senate, where he served from 2013 to 2017. He was appointed as majority leader from 2015 to 2017, a role that placed him in a significant leadership position within the state legislature. During his time in the Senate, he represented Senate District 19 and later Senate District 18 due to redistricting. His legislative work included serving on various committees, such as the Natural Resources and Transportation Committee, and sponsoring key legislation, including a resolution urging Congress to adopt a balanced budget amendment.

In 2016, Rosendale was elected as Montana's state auditor, a position he held until 2020. He ran unopposed in the Republican primary and won the general election against a Democratic opponent, marking the race as one of the most expensive for the position in Montana's history. As state auditor, he was responsible for overseeing financial regulations and approving health care agreements, including those for direct primary care and Medi-Share, a health care sharing ministry.

Rosendale's congressional career began when he was elected to represent Montana's at-large congressional district in 2020. Following the 2020 census, Montana regained a second congressional seat, leading to his election in 2022 for the newly established 2nd congressional district. His first term in the U.S. House commenced in January 2021, and he served until January 2025.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rosendale focused on various legislative issues that aligned with his party's platform. His experience in state government and as state auditor informed his approach to federal legislation, particularly in areas related to fiscal responsibility and health care.

In the House, Rosendale was involved in several committees that shaped his legislative agenda. His background in real estate and land management likely influenced his positions on issues related to land use and agriculture, reflecting his commitment to the interests of his constituents in Montana. His previous roles in state government also provided him with insights into the complexities of governance and the importance of local issues at the federal level.

Throughout his congressional tenure, Rosendale maintained a focus on promoting policies that he believed would benefit the people of Montana, particularly in the areas of economic development, health care access, and land management. His legislative efforts were characterized by a commitment to conservative principles, which resonated with his constituents.

In early 2024, Rosendale announced his intention to run for the U.S. Senate, aiming to challenge incumbent Senator Jon Tester. However, shortly after this announcement, he withdrew from the Senate race following an endorsement of his opponent by a prominent figure in the Republican Party. Subsequently, he expressed his desire to seek re-election for his House seat but later decided to withdraw from that race as well.

Rosendale's political career reflects a trajectory marked by a blend of local engagement and state-level leadership, culminating in his service in the U.S. House of Representatives. His experiences in various roles within Montana's government have shaped his legislative priorities and approach to representing the interests of his constituents.