Jon Tester raises $30 million for Senate reelection campaign in Montana during third quarter

Democratic Montana Sen. Jon Tester's campaign on Tuesday announced he raised $30 million for his reelection campaign during the third quarter of 2024, as he attempts to fend off a strong challenge from Republican Tim Sheehy.

The senator's Federal Election Commission (FEC) filing disclosed that he raised $30.1 million from July through September, and ended the quarter with $7.4 million on hand. The number is one of the largest for Democrats this cycle, and is only surpassed by Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, who raised $30.6 million in the third quarter, and Texas Rep. Colin Allred, who raised $30.3 million.

Brown and Tester are both holding vulnerable seats this election. Other potential pick ups for Republicans, who are hoping to flip control of the Senate, include West Virginia and Maryland.

“Montanans are sending a clear message that they are ready to run through the tape to send Jon Tester back to the U.S. Senate,” Shelbi Dantic, Tester’s campaign manager, said in a statement reported by The Hill. “We are so grateful that Jon has overwhelming grassroots support from Montanans in every corner of the state, and we will channel this unprecedented momentum through election day to make sure Jon Tester can continue to defend Montana.”

The funds largely come from small donations that were less than $100, with the average donation equaling less than $50. The campaign also noted that more than 23,000 donations came from voters within the state.

“Montanans know that the dirt farmer from Big Sandy is the best choice to fight for our state and defend our freedoms – not the ultra wealthy out-of-stater Tim Sheehy, who has lied about nearly every aspect of his life and would change Montana into a place only millionaires can afford to live,” Dantic said.

The donations come as Sheehy, a combat veteran, soars past Tester in the latest polls. Tester currently trails Sheehy by an average 7.0%, according to RealClearPolitics.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage