Tim Sheehy, a Trump-backed Navy SEAL veteran, just pulled off an epic political stunt in Montana that has ruffled the feathers of Democrat Senator Jon Tester, who’s been nursing a three-term tenure like a clingy ex. In a wave of red that swept through the state, Sheehy, with a solid 53 percent of the vote, left Tester and his 45 percent gasping for air, proving once again that Montanans prefer someone with military chops over a career politician.
As the sun rose over the election results early Wednesday, the Associated Press was quick to ring the victory bell for Sheehy. With a whopping 85 percent of the vote reported, it was clear that Tester’s bid to hang on was about as successful as a screen door on a submarine. This not only strengthens the Republican grip on the Senate but also serves as a joyful wake-up call to those who thought the GOP was done after the last election cycle.
Republican Tim Sheehy, a retired Navy SEAL, will win Senate seat in Montana, CNN projects, defeating longtime incumbent Democrat Sen. Jon Tester https://t.co/szSmDsUEwl pic.twitter.com/cCwB40yrZa
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) November 6, 2024
Beyond his military accomplishments, Sheehy has dived headfirst into the business world, founding Bridger Aerospace, which fights fires from above—an aptitude that might come in handy after the hot mess that was Tester’s Senate achievements. Bridger Aerospace employs over 200 hardworking Montanans, proving that Sheehy knows how to create jobs instead of simply legislating from a cozy office. Oh, and let’s not overlook his other venture, Ascent Vision Technologies, showcasing a flair for innovation that’s sorely lacking in D.C.
With backing from Donald Trump during the Republican primaries, Sheehy has proven he’s not just another politician looking for a nice seat in Congress. When Trump touted Sheehy as an American hero and a successful businessman, he struck a chord with the patriotic base. It’s clear that a shared commitment to America First principles has resonated, allowing Sheehy to hit the ground running in a political landscape that was previously dominated by the establishment.
The results from Montana are just a piece of a larger puzzle in which the GOP is making significant gains. With Ted Cruz, Rick Scott, and now Sheehy joining the ranks of winners, senators will be scrambling to keep their socks on amidst the Republican tide. Even the coveted seat left by Joe Manchin in West Virginia went red, along with Bernie Moreno knocking out Sherrod Brown in Ohio. With the Senate solidly at a minimum of 52 GOP seats, the party remains poised to target other Democrat-held strongholds like Michigan and Pennsylvania. The pride of the party is swelling, and the competition across the field seems ripe for the picking as Republicans capitalize on every opportunity to expand their majority.