Montana Democrat's campaign launches new 'Republicans for Tester' group

Montana's Democratic Sen. Jon Tester's reelection campaign on Tuesday launched a new group, "Republicans for Tester," which boasts a coalition of 100 conservatives in the state that are rallying behind the incumbent. 

Tester, who was first elected to the Senate in 2006, is facing a tough challenge from Republican Tim Sheehy, who has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Trump easily won the state of Montana in 2020.

The campaign noted that top Republicans in the state that have united behind Tester include former Montana Gov. Marc Racicot, former Secretary of State Bob Brown, and former Montana GOP Chair Susan Good-Geise, according to The Hill.

“For going on three decades I’ve known and worked with Jon Tester as he has tirelessly set about to serve all Montanans, Democrats and Republicans alike. Jon has, without exception, executed his duties with an elevated focus upon the public good,” Racicot said in a statement. “Not unexpectedly, it has always been people, not parties, who have come first with Jon Tester. I’m proud to support our senior senator because I’m absolutely confident he’ll continue to protect and defend our liberty and our Montana way of life.” 

Tester, who has outraised Sheehy in the election so far, according to News from the States, said he was "honored" to have the support of Republicans because “Montana will always come first for me — and I will take on anyone, from any party, to defend our state.” 

Tester's seat is one of a handful of the most vulnerable in the 2024 election season, and is rated by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report as a "toss up." Other seats that Republicans hope to flip are Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown's and Arizona Independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema's.

Sinema, who ran as a Democrat initially, is not seeking reelection. But Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego and Republican Kari Lake are hoping to replace her. Gallego has also launched a “Republicans and Independents for Ruben” group.

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