Sheehy soars past Tester in Montana's critical Senate race: Poll

Republican Tim Sheehy has carved out a commanding lead over Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., in the state's key Senate race that could decide control of the upper chamber.

Among likely voters, Sheehy claimed 50% support compared to Tester's 43% in the latest Napolitan Institute survey.

In a summer survey, Tester led five points. Much of the shift, according to the institute, came from Republicans rallying behind Sheehy. In the prior survey, Sheehy enjoyed 72% support among Republicans, though he has since seen that figure rise to 81%.

The survey also showed Tester with a 45% favorable/52% unfavorable rating.

Conducted Sept. 12-19, the survey questioned 491 likely voters in Montana and has a margin of error of +/- 4.4%.

The results appear loosely in line with other surveys. Sheehy currently maintains a 5.2% lead over Tester in the RealClearPolitics polling average.