Donald Trump is set to visit Montana on Friday in an effort to address unfinished business from his unsuccessful attempt in 2018 to defeat incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Tester. Tester, aligning himself with Trump on various issues, faces a more significant challenge this year with his opponent, former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy, trying to associate him with Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris. Harris, who gained support following Joe Biden’s exit from the campaign, is drawing crowds in swing states.
While Trump won Montana by a significant margin four years ago, his rally this week is in the state rather than in a battleground state for November. The President faced criticism for not focusing on swing states, but he defended his strategy by stating he is leading in those states and aiming to assist other candidates. Trump will also have fundraising stops in Wyoming and Colorado along with his visit to Montana.
Analysts suggest that Trump’s influence in Montana’s Senate race could go beyond the rally, with his name on the ballot potentially motivating his supporters. Montana has been predominantly Republican, but Tester has managed to win previous elections narrowly. He is known for his grassroots connections and independence from his party on certain issues. However, Tester is considered one of the vulnerable Democratic incumbents in the upcoming Senate race.
Tester’s clash with Trump goes back to 2018 when Tester exposed misconduct by Trump’s nominee for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Ronny Jackson. Despite Trump’s personal campaign against Tester during that time, the Senator has aimed to distance himself from the Democratic establishment by highlighting bipartisan support and focusing on veterans’ issues. The race has attracted nationwide attention as Democrats defend more seats in the Senate this year.
Tester’s opponent, Tim Sheehy, accuses the Senator of aligning too closely with national Democrats. Sheehy has received significant support from outside groups, narrowing the fundraising gap with Tester. Both candidates are active in their campaign efforts, flooding Montana’s airwaves with advertisements as the race intensifies. Montana voters, known for voting based on the individual rather than the party, will play a crucial role in deciding the outcome of this closely watched Senate race.
