Nov 6, 2024 - Politics & Policy
GOP's Sheehy ousts Tester in Montana Senate race
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Republican former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy has defeated Democratic incumbent Jon Tester in the Montana Senate race, AP projects.
Why it matters: It's a major victory for Republicans. Sheehy's win likely assures they will have control of the Senate next Congress.
- Montana was a top Senate target for Republicans this cycle, and it quickly became the most expensive Senate seat per capita.
- Sheehy and Tester supporters spent $320 per eligible Montanan voter on TV and digital advertising in the race just since Jan. 1, according to AdImpact.
The big picture: As a Democrat in a state that voted for Trump by 17 points in 2020, Tester was always going to face a steep uphill battle. And this was the first time he had to defend his seat with Trump at the top of the GOP ticket on the ballot.
- Still, he was a known brand in Montana. In the campaign's waning days, Democrats latched on to new polling showing the race neck and neck.
- Their final message focused on accusations Sheehy was dishonest in a convoluted story revolving around an injury he says he initially received while serving in Afghanistan.
Go deeper... Big red shock: Takeaways from Trump's election night romp
