Senator Jon Tester of Montana is facing a tough reelection battle as Democrats risk losing control of the U.S. Senate. A recent statewide poll conducted by American Pulse Research and Polling found that Republican candidate Tim Sheehy is leading Tester with 50.8 percent support compared to the senator’s 44.7 percent. The outcome of the Montana race will be crucial in determining which party controls the Senate in the upcoming Congress, which will have significant implications for the next president.
The poll, conducted on behalf of KULR-TV, surveyed 538 registered voters from August 10 to 12, with 3.8 percent of respondents undecided. The margin of error for the poll was plus or minus 4.2 percent. A spokesperson for Montanans For Tester expressed confidence in Tester’s reelection, citing his track record of delivering for veterans, fighting to lower costs for working families, and defending Montana’s way of life. In contrast, a spokesperson for the Sheehy campaign welcomed the poll results and emphasized Sheehy’s commitment to defeat inflation, bring down costs, secure the border, and fight for Montana families.
This is the second poll this month showing Tester trailing behind Sheehy, with a previous Emerson College poll also showing Sheehy in the lead. The Senate forecast by 270toWin indicates that Republicans are on track to hold 50 seats compared to Democrats’ 48 after the elections, with the remaining two seats being decided by toss-up races in Montana and Ohio. Tester is viewed as one of the most vulnerable incumbent Democratic senators, and the outcome of the Montana race is crucial in determining control of the Senate, where Democrats currently hold a slim majority.
Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Sheehy in the Montana Senate race and attended a rally in support of Sheehy in Bozeman, Montana. The Republican nominee’s campaign has focused on addressing key issues such as inflation, lowering costs, border security, and prioritizing America’s interests. To win the race in November and unseat Tester, who is a leading recipient of lobbyist funds, the Sheehy campaign is emphasizing the importance of grassroots efforts to secure a victory and bring about change in Washington.
The close race in Montana underscores the high stakes involved in determining control of the Senate and the impact it will have on the next administration. Tester’s focus on delivering for Montana families, coupled with Sheehy’s common-sense agenda, highlights the contrasting approaches of the two candidates in addressing the challenges facing the state and the country. As the campaign heats up and Election Day approaches, both candidates will intensify their efforts to court voters and secure the support needed to emerge victorious and shape the future direction of Montana and the nation.
