Republican Tim Sheehy wins Montana Senate race over incumbent Jon Tester
SUMMARY
Republican Tim Sheehy has won the Montana Senate race, defeating Democratic incumbent Jon Tester and bolstering the GOP's position in a Senate they will now control alongside President-Elect Donald Trump. The race, marked by $280 million in campaign spending, was closely watched as a measure of Democrats' viability in rural states increasingly aligned with Trump’s brand of conservatism. Tester, who has served for 18 years and is known for advocating for farmers, veterans, and Native Americans, faced a tough reelection battle as Montana's political landscape shifted rightward. Sheehy, a 37-year-old former Navy SEAL who moved to Montana in 2014 to start an aerial firefighting business, campaigned on conservative principles and aligned himself closely with Trump. His campaign emphasized securing borders, supporting law enforcement, and traditional gender views.
