Jon Tester Fights to Secure Senate Seat in Deep-Red Montana

Tester seeks to attract ticket-splitting voters by distancing himself from national Democrats and focusing on local issues.

Senator Jon Tester is trailing Republican Tim Sheehy in the polls by 6 to 8 points in Montana, a state that heavily favors Donald Trump.
Tester is emphasizing his distinct political brand, which includes support for the Second Amendment and immigration restrictions, to appeal to Trump voters.
He is also focusing on local issues, including courting Native American voters, who make up 7% of Montana's population but face barriers to voting.
Tester's stance on abortion, advocating for the reinstatement of Roe v. Wade, is part of his strategy to mobilize voters amid an abortion referendum.
A loss for Tester could significantly impact the Democratic Party in Montana, potentially leading to a long-term decline in Democratic influence in the state.