Ex-Montana Secretary of State Johnson joins Senate race in potential challenge to Democrat Tester

Former Montana Secretary of State Brad Johnson announced his intentions to run in the state's Republican U.S. Senate primary, posing a potential challenge to Democratic Sen. Jon Tester.

"Brad Johnson is no newcomer to the political scene. He's a Montana native whose commitment to the state has been evident since 1982," his campaign announcement Tuesday states.

However, Johnson was born in Illinois and attended the University of Illinois, graduating with a bachelor's and master's in agriculture in 1976, according to The Independent Record, a Montana-based outlet. He moved to Montana in 1980.

"After having the privilege of serving statewide as Secretary of State and understanding the issues facing Montana families, I am running because this isn’t an election we can relegate to slick DC gimmicks nor second chances with failed candidates," Johnson said when he announced his campaign.

Johnson, who served as secretary of state from 2005-2009 until losing to Democrat Linda McCulloch, is the second Republican to enter the race. 

Former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy announced his interventions in June to run for the GOP nomination.

Tester is considered to be a vulnerable Democrat in the 2024 elections as Republicans look to take over the Senate. 

Johnson's team did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Follow Madeleine Hubbard on X or Instagram.