3-term Democratic lawmaker tries to hold key US Senate seat in GOP-friendly Montana
Three-term incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester of Montana is facing perhaps his toughest reelection challenge yet
BILLINGS, Mont. (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.
It’s the first time Tester’s name is on the same ballot as Trump, who won Montana by wide margins in 2016 and 2020.
Long lines were seen at Montana polling places as in-person voting got underway.
