Advanced Energy

3-Term Democratic Lawmaker Seeks to Hold Senate Seat in Montana

Tester has supported bringing broadband to rural areas, while sometimes opposing Democratic proposals to tighten energy industry rules.

Associated Press

Nov 5, 2024 — 4 min read

Photo of Sen. Jon Tester preparing to debate GOP challenger Tim Sheehy on campus at the University of Montana in Missoula, Mont., Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, by Ben Allan Smith/The Missoulian via AP

BILLINGS, Mont., Nov. 5, 2024 (AP) — Three-term incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester of Montana faces perhaps his toughest reelection challenge yet on Tuesday, with control of the Senate on the line in a state that’s veered sharply rightward since the 68-year-old grain farmer's first election.

Republicans have pinned their hopes on Tim Sheehy, a former U.S. Navy SEAL and founder of an aerial firefighting company. Sheehy, 38, had early backing from party leaders including former President Donald Trump, clearing the political newcomer's path to win the June primary.

This is the first time Tester’s name appears on the same ballot as Trump, who won Montana by wide margins in 2016 and 2020.

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