Montana voters in Tuesday's primary election will choose a Republican challenger to three-term incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Tester and candidates for an open U.S. House seat being vacated by Rep. Matt Rosendale.
Republicans have historically been successful in Montana elections, making Tester more vulnerable this time. The GOP needs just a few seats in November to gain control of the U.S. Senate.
Republican candidate Tim Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL and first-time contender, is backed by the party establishment, including former President Donald Trump and Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte. Sheehy has invested over $2 million of his own funds into the campaign and is supported by major GOP donors. He faces two lesser-known opponents.
On the Democratic side, Tester's only primary opponent has not reported any campaign fundraising or spending.
The Tester and Sheehy campaigns have been engaged in an aggressive advertising battle, with both emphasizing their strengths and attacking each other.
Tester, known as a moderate in Washington, has highlighted his work for veterans and his farming background. He has raised concerns about wealthy outsiders like Sheehy driving up property prices and taxes in the state.
Sheehy has criticized Tester for various issues, including President Joe Biden's handling of illegal immigration and has tried to appeal to Trump supporters.
In the open U.S. House seat race in eastern Montana, there are seven GOP candidates, including former Rep. Denny Rehberg, Auditor Troy Downing, and Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. Downing, endorsed by Trump, has raised the most funds and emphasized his experience in the private sector.
In the western House district, incumbent Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke is facing a challenge from Mary Todd. Democrat Monica Tranel is running unopposed in the primary.
Gianforte, seeking a second term as governor, faces criticism for property tax increases despite a budget surplus. He is running with Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras against a challenge from state Rep. Tanner Smith.
In the Democratic gubernatorial primary, Ryan Busse and Raph Graybill, along with Jim Hunt and Jerry Driscoll, are vying for the nomination.
Polls close at 8 p.m. Tuesday, with many voters already casting their ballots by mail.
