This Crucial Senate Target Just Got Harder for Republicans to Flip in 2024

Collin AndersonFebruary 22, 2023

Montana Dem Jon Tester said he’ll be seeking a fourth term Senator Jon Tester (D–MT) leaves the Senate Floor at the U.S. Capitol on Dec 22, 2022 with his aides. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images).

Jon Tester, Montana Democratic senator, announced Wednesday morning that he will run for reelection. This is a move that could complicate the Republican Party’s attempts to turn the red-leaning state into a republic in 2024.

“I am running for re-election so I can keep fighting for Montanans and demand that Washington stand up for our veterans and lower costs,” Tester, who was elected in 2007, made the following statement. “Montanans need a fighter holding Washington accountable and I’m running to defend our Montana values.”

As Democrats attempt to defend the treacherous Senate map, and to retain their narrow majority at the upper chamber, Tester’s news is a boost. Two-thirds of 34 Senate seats are up for grabs next year, and Democrats hold the majority of them. Given the party’s recent success in Montana, Montana is a prime target for Republicans. But Tester has emerged from difficult races before—the lone Democrat in statewide office, he defeated Republican congressman Matt Rosendale by four points in 2018. Republicans Greg Gianforte, Steve Daines, and Greg Gianforte cruised to double-digit wins during their 2020 campaigns to be senator and governor.

Tester Recognized Shortly after his announcement, Montana became official “is the GOP’s top target in 2024.” Republicans will now try to tie Tester to Democratic Party’s national leaders who have become increasingly unpopular in Big Sky Country. Just 32 percent For example, Montanans approve of President Joe Biden compared to 62 percent who disapprove.

“The Tester-Biden agenda has given Montanans rising crime, higher taxes, and an open southern border that is flooding communities with deadly fentanyl,” Maggie Abboud, National Republican Senatorial Committee spokesperson, made the following statement. “Montanans are going to send Joe Biden’s favorite senator packing in 2024.”