Montana Senator Jon Tester is focusing on protecting reproductive rights in his campaign to maintain his position as the sole Democrat holding statewide office in the state. Tester has aligned himself with Planned Parenthood, advocated for abortion rights, and supported a ballot initiative to establish abortion as a constitutional right in Montana. However, he has been careful not to mention Vice President Kamala Harris on the campaign trail, as her association with the unpopular administration could potentially alienate some voters in the predominantly red state.
Tester believes that the issue of protecting abortion access appeals to a wide range of voters in Montana due to the state’s value of freedom. While Tester and another Democratic Senator, Sherrod Brown, could benefit from Harris’ presidential bid by energizing key voting blocs, they have chosen to do so quietly. Paul Pope, a political analyst, criticizes Democrats for not capitalizing on this opportunity, suggesting that Tester could leverage Harris’ popularity to excite voters. Republicans in Montana and Ohio are actively trying to unseat the incumbent Democratic senators by linking them to national party leaders.
In Ohio, Senator Brown has been campaigning on the platform of supporting abortion rights while also highlighting issues such as union workers and border security. His Republican opponent, Bernie Moreno, prioritizes concerns about illegal immigration and inflation over abortion rights, arguing that the issue may not drive as much voter turnout as predicted by the Democrats. Both Moreno and Tim Sheehy, Tester’s opponent in Montana, have been endorsed by the antiabortion group SBA Pro-Life America, advocating for restrictions on abortions with exceptions for certain circumstances.
Despite the focus on abortion rights, some voters and analysts believe that economic issues will ultimately play a more significant role in the upcoming elections. In Ohio, where an abortion rights amendment was passed in 2023, protecting reproductive freedom is seen as an economic issue by some political groups. Tester’s campaign has engaged with a wide range of voters, including Republicans with nuanced views on abortion, in an effort to appeal to swing voters. Some attendees at Tester’s rally expressed concerns about his re-election prospects and the potential impact on the state’s abortion initiative.
Both Tester and Brown are facing fierce opposition from Republicans in their respective states, who are hoping to capitalize on the unpopularity of the current administration. Despite the significant spending in Montana and Ohio by both parties, the elections are expected to be closely contested. Tester has refrained from endorsing Vice President Harris and has chosen to focus on local issues and his track record in the Senate. The outcome of these elections will not only determine the future of these two Democratic senators but also reflect the broader political landscape in Montana and Ohio.
