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MT Sen. Jon Tester Stays Neutral in Presidential Contest, Focuses on Own Campaign

 August 27, 2024

Montana Sen. Jon Tester has chosen not to endorse any candidate in the upcoming presidential election, a decision that contrasts with his previous support for Vice President Kamala Harris, now the Democratic nominee for president.

Tester's decision to withhold a formal endorsement of Harris is driven by his focus on securing re-election in Montana, where he faces a challenging race against Republican challenger Tim Sheehy, as Fox News reports.

Tester's Role in Harris' Political Rise

The Montana lawmaker has a history with Harris that dates back to her first Senate run.

As chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) from 2015 to 2017, Tester played a significant role in encouraging Harris to run for the U.S. Senate.

This early support was crucial in Harris's successful bid to represent California in the Senate, a fact highlighted by a Los Angeles Times report in January 2015.

Endorsement History and Current Stance

In 2020, when Harris was selected as Joe Biden's running mate, Tester publicly endorsed her, expressing confidence in her ability to fight for working families.

He took to social media to voice his support, stating his belief that Harris was an "excellent pick for Vice President" and looking forward to supporting the Biden-Harris ticket. However, as he now seeks re-election in a state that heavily favored former President Donald Trump in 2020, Tester has decided to distance himself from the national Democratic ticket.

Tester's spokesperson, Monica Robinson, emphasized that the senator's focus remains squarely on Montana. Robinson noted that Tester has consistently stood up to the Biden-Harris administration on issues important to Montanans, such as border security and energy regulations.

This position underscores Tester's commitment to representing his state over aligning with national party politics.

Challenges from Republican Opponent Tim Sheehy

Tester's decision to skip the Democratic National Convention and withhold his endorsement has not gone unnoticed by his Republican opponent, Tim Sheehy. Sheehy has criticized Tester for his past support of Harris, accusing him of launching her political career and supporting a "radical agenda." Sheehy has also attacked Tester for aligning with Democratic policies that he claims are out of step with Montana voters.

In his campaign, Sheehy has labeled Tester, Harris, and other Democrats as proponents of policies that are detrimental to Montana. He has pointed to issues such as open borders, higher taxes, and energy policies as evidence of a Democratic agenda that Montanans will reject in the upcoming election.

Cook Political Report's Assessment of Race

The Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan election analysis organization, currently rates Tester's Senate race as a "toss-up," indicating that the outcome is uncertain.

This rating reflects the competitive nature of the race, as Tester seeks to secure a fourth term in a state where the political landscape is increasingly challenging for Democrats.

Tester's Justification for Neutrality

In explaining his decision not to endorse a presidential candidate, Tester cited two main reasons.

First, he emphasized his focus on his own re-election campaign, stating that his priority is to represent Montana effectively.

Second, he expressed concern that nationalizing his race would distract from the issues that matter most to his constituents. "This isn't about national politics," Tester said, "This is about Montana."

Conclusion

Montana Sen. Jon Tester's decision to remain neutral in the presidential race marks a strategic shift as he faces a tough re-election bid. Despite his previous support for Kamala Harris, Tester is focusing on his own campaign, distancing himself from the national Democratic ticket to align more closely with the interests of Montana voters. As he navigates this challenging political landscape, Tester's future in the Senate remains uncertain, with the outcome of his race being closely watched by both parties.

In conclusion, while Tester's history with Harris and the Democratic Party is significant, his primary concern remains his re-election in Montana, where the political climate presents both challenges and opportunities. The Cook Political Report's "toss-up" rating underscores the stakes of this pivotal race, which will play a crucial role in determining the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.