Tim Sheehy, Republican challenger, targets Sen. Jon Tester in Montana Senate race.

Tim Sheehy: An Entrepreneur, Firefighting Pilot, and Former Navy SEAL Running for Senate

Tim Sheehy, an entrepreneur, firefighting pilot, and former Navy SEAL, is “answering the call to serve” with his campaign for the United States Senate in Montana in 2024.

The Republican announced his candidacy on June 27, calling for a new generation of leadership and pledging to put “America first” in his 2024 bid to unseat the vulnerable incumbent Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.).

“Whether it was in war or business, I see problems and solve them,” Sheehy said in his first campaign video.

“America needs conservative leaders who love our country, and that’s why I’m running for the United States Senate. I want to create a better future for my kids and your children and grandchildren. Our campaign is about service, God and country, not politics as usual.”

Sheehy is challenging a Democratic Senator in what is thought to be a Republican state, making Tester’s attempt to maintain a crucial Democrat seat in the Senate a closely watched race.

Some of the key issues Sheehy plans to run on were outlined on the candidate’s website and included support for local agriculture, veterans’ issues, as well as gun rights.

“I will fight back against any attempt by liberal politicians like Joe Biden and Jon Tester from pursuing a radical gun control agenda that threatens our Second Amendment rights. Our right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” Sheehy said of his stance on the Second Amendment. “As a Navy SEAL who fought for our country and to protect our freedoms, this is a fundamental constitutional right that must and will always be protected under my watch.”

According to Sheehy’s campaign, he will also focus on support of the unborn’s right to life, national security, forest management, fiscal responsibility, and border security.

“I’ve served overseas and seen firsthand what happens when you have a porous border,” Sheehy said. “What’s happening at the southern border is an absolute crisis, and it gets worse each day under the Biden administration and with career politicians like Jon Tester who talk a tough game about border security but aren’t getting the job done.

“We need to take a strong stand and secure our border, finish the wall, and finally put an end to illegal immigration once and for all.”

Bronze Star and Purple Heart

Sheehy’s diverse background includes serving as a Navy SEAL Officer and Team Leader, completing multiple deployments and missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, South America, and the Pacific region. He engaged in numerous combat encounters throughout his service, earning commendations such as the Bronze Star with Valor for Heroism in Combat and the Purple Heart Medal.

A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 2008, Sheehy holds the distinction of being the first midshipman to participate in the U.S. Army Special Operations exchange program and the first to graduate from the prestigious Ar