In a recent interview with Digital, Tim Sheehy, a Navy SEAL and GOP U.S. Senate candidate in Montana, criticized Democratic Sen. Jon Tester for his shifting positions on key issues during election cycles. Sheehy accused Tester of being “two-faced” and attempting to brand himself as a moderate while voting in alignment with President Biden. According to FiveThirtyEight, Tester sided with Biden on 91% of issues in 2021 and 2022. However, he has recently pushed back on the administration’s orders on the border and Iran, sparking allegations of political opportunism.
Tester, who is running for re-election in 2024, has been known for taking a more moderate stance on certain issues, particularly as a Second Amendment supporter. However, Sheehy argues that Tester’s actions reveal a pattern of shifting back to the center during election years to appeal to voters. Sheehy stated, “You know this is what he does. Five years out of every six he’s a dyed-in-the-wool liberal, firm progressive. Votes lockstep with Schumer, Biden and every other progressive in the country. And then, for his election year, he tries to shift back to the center and act like he’s a moderate.”
The accusations against Tester come as he has recently accepted campaign contributions from major left-wing donors George Soros and his son Alexander. This move has raised eyebrows among conservatives, who question the senator’s true political leanings.
One example of Tester’s shifting position is his stance on border security. In 2019, when former President Donald Trump sought approval for funding a wall on the southern border, Tester expressed reservations about a wall spanning the entire border. However, Tester voted against an amendment to prohibit the cancellation of contracts for physical barriers and other border security measures in 2021. Despite this vote, Tester has now opposed Biden’s halt to Title 42 and is calling for stronger border security.
Tester’s changing stance on foreign policy has also drawn criticism. While he openly supported former President Barack Obama’s Iran Nuclear Deal in 2015, Tester called for Biden to refreeze $6 billion released to Iran in a prisoner swap in October. Sheehy argued that Tester’s positions on foreign policy are inconsistent and lack a clear ideological foundation.
The upcoming Senate race in Montana has national significance, as Democrats will be defending 23 of the 34 Senate seats up for grabs in the next cycle. Montana is one of the seven states, won by Trump in either 2016 or 2020, where a Democratic senator is up for re-election. Sheehy emphasized the importance of this race, stating, “Americans from coast to coast are worried about another four years of crazy inflation, another four years of crazy leftist policies, more foreign wars starting every day. They better get serious about our national elections and look at the electoral map and realize that Montana’s really going to matter in 2024.”
Sheehy has been gaining momentum in the Republican primary race, with endorsements from prominent members of Congress such as Montana Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Ryan Zinke. However, he may face competition from Rep. Matt Rosendale, who is considering entering the race.
Tester did not respond to Digital’s request for comment on the accusations made by Sheehy.
As the 2024 campaign trail unfolds, this Senate race in Montana is expected to play a crucial role in determining control of the Senate. With issues such as the economy, the border crisis, and the cost of living at the forefront, Montanans will have an opportunity to voice their concerns and shape the future direction of the country.
