Democratic Sen. Jon Tester of Montana announced Wednesday that he is seeking re-election, a relief for Democrats who hope to improve their chances of retaining their Senate majority.
“It’s official. I am running for re-election,” the senator wrote on Twitter.Montanans need a fighter to hold our government accountable and demand that Washington stand up for veterans and lower costs for families. I will always fight to defend our Montana values. Let’s get to work.”
It’s official. I’m running for re-election.
Montanans need a fighter to hold our government accountable and demand that Washington stand up for veterans and lower costs for families. I will always fight to defend our Montana values. Let’s get to work.
— Jon Tester (@jontester) February 22, 2023
👇🏼@jontester announces his official re-election bid. Full version: #mtpol https://t.co/L76l5ayj3F pic.twitter.com/6WxxNu1XFI
— Maritsa Georgiou (@MaritsaGeorgiou) February 22, 2023
A large sigh of relief for Democrats: Tester faces a very tough race, but he’s already survived three races before — and retirement here would be a huge pain for the Dems. https://t.co/ydjh9uZWi9
— Taniel (@Taniel) February 22, 2023
Tester is expected to face a tough re-election fight, even though he is an incumbent.
Republicans were quick to criticize what happened to Montana under Democratic leadership.
“Tester and Biden’s agenda has delivered Montanans increased crime, higher taxes and an open southern border flooding communities with deadly fentanyl,” NRSC spokeswoman Maggie Abboud said in a statement. “The people of Montana will send us their favorite senator Joe Biden 2024.”
Outside the state, Democrats, who currently hold a 51-49 majority, will also face challenges in West Virginia, Ohio and Arizona.
In addition to the fact that Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, who has become an independent candidate, will likely face a GOP challenger, he will face U.S. Republican Ruben Gallego, a Democrat who has already announced he will run for the seat.
