Tim Sheehy defeats Jon Tester in key Montana Senate race
In a significant political development, Republican Tim Sheehy has emerged victorious over Democratic Senator Jon Tester in Montana’s Senate race. Sheehy’s win, confirmed by the Associated Press with a final tally of 53% to Tester’s 45%, expands the GOP majority in the Senate and marks a critical blow for Democrats. This contest was noted as the most competitive in the country, given its substantial implications for Senate control. Sheehy’s victory also achieves a rare feat for Republicans in Montana, enabling them to simultaneously hold the Senate seats, the governorship, and both legislative chambers for the first time since 1896. The campaign was marked by heavy spending, totaling around $250 million, making it the most expensive Senate race on a per-vote basis in U.S. history. Tester’s hopes for a fourth term dwindled in the months leading up to the election as polls indicated Sheehy was favored to win.
Tim Sheehy defeats Jon Tester in key Montana Senate race, a blow to Democrats
Republican Tim Sheehy triumphed over Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) in Montana’s crucial Senate race, expanding the GOP majority in the Senate.
Sheehy led Tester 53%-45% when the race was called by the Associated Press at 6:26 a.m. EST on Wednesday.
2024 ELECTIONS LIVE UPDATES: LATEST NEWS ON THE TRUMP-HARRIS PRESIDENTIAL RACE
The bitter contest was the most competitive in the country as the de facto majority-maker seat, holding the most sway over which party would control the Senate.
In addition to helping propel Republicans back into the Senate majority in Washington, Sheehy’s win means that the GOP in Montana will achieve a feat only seen once before in the state’s history: A sweep of its Senate seats, governor’s mansion, and both legislative chambers at the same time. Republicans have not concurrently held them all since 1896.
Tester’s bid for a fourth term slowly slipped away in the campaign’s final months, as election forecasters and polling gave Sheehy the upper hand heading into the election.
The contest was the costliest in Montana’s history and the most expensive Senate race on a per-vote basis in U.S. history. Some $250 million was spent between Democrats and Republicans in a state with a population of just over 1.1 million.
Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL and wealthy business owner, faced several controversies in the campaign’s closing months, including discrepancies over why he was discharged from service and how he obtained a past bullet wound, making racially charged remarks about Native Americans, and scrutiny over the aerial firefighting company he founded.
Still, the Republican challenger eked out a victory that was buoyed by former President Donald Trump at the top of the ticket, who carried the state by double digits.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...