BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Former President Donald Trump's plane was diverted to Billings Logan International Airport in Montana on Friday afternoon due to a mechanical issue, according to a staff member at the airport. The plane was originally scheduled to land at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, where Trump was scheduled to hold a rally later that day.

The reason for the diversion was not immediately clear, but a spokesperson for the airport confirmed that the plane landed safely in Billings. Trump is expected to take a private plane to Bozeman to continue with his planned events.

The incident comes as Trump is campaigning in Montana in a bid to oust Democratic Sen. Jon Tester, who is running for re-election. The race has drawn national attention, with Democrats clinging to a razor-thin majority in the Senate and defending far more seats than the GOP this year.

Trump's visit to Montana is part of a broader effort to boost Republican candidates in key battleground states ahead of the 2024 election. The former president remains a popular figure among many conservative voters, and his endorsement is seen as a valuable asset in tight races.

The mechanical issue that forced Trump's plane to make an emergency landing is not the first time the former president has faced such a situation. In 2021, a plane carrying Trump made an emergency landing in New Orleans after experiencing engine failure.

As the 2024 election season heats up, both parties are expected to ramp up their campaigning efforts in the coming months. With control of the Senate potentially at stake, every race is likely to be closely watched and fiercely contested.