Senator Jon Tester, a Democrat from Montana, is currently the subject of a significant ad campaign focusing on his stance on illegal immigration. The campaign, funded by One Nation and totaling $15.2 million, aims to run statewide until September 2nd. The ads, titled 'Line,' highlight Tester's evolution on the issue of amnesty for illegal immigrants, from early opposition to more recent support for a path to legal status and citizenship for an estimated 11 million individuals.
The advertisement also points out Tester's votes in favor of continuing funding for sanctuary cities like New York City. It urges Montana voters to push Tester to stop supporting what it calls 'Biden's border disaster' and instead back the Republican-led Secure the Border Act. This proposed legislation includes measures such as resuming construction of the southern border wall, tightening asylum standards, increasing Border Patrol agents, and restricting the Department of Homeland Security from aiding illegal immigrants in the U.S.
One Nation's President and CEO, Steven Law, criticized Tester for what he sees as pro-illegal immigration policies that have contributed to the crisis at the Southern border. Tester's campaign, however, refuted these claims, highlighting the senator's support for a bipartisan border package that failed to advance in the Senate.
The Montana Senate race is anticipated to be closely contested, with Tester's Republican opponent likely to be former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy. As immigration and border security become key issues for voters, Tester has faced scrutiny for his legislative approach in these areas. Republican senators have accused him of avoiding votes on immigration-related amendments, a claim Tester vehemently denies.
Looking ahead, Tester is expected to face additional pressure as the Senate considers articles of impeachment for Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. Democrats are likely to swiftly dismiss the trial, but securing full caucus support is crucial given the Senate's narrow 51-48 Democratic majority.
House Speaker Mike Johnson recently announced plans to deliver the impeachment articles to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on April 10th.
