A former U.S. Navy SEAL campaigning as a Republican for a Montana Senate seat is gaining traction against three-term Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) in the upcoming 2024 elections.
GOP candidate Tim Sheehy became a decorated military veteran after graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., according to his campaign website.
Sheehy’s peacetime pursuits include owning a business and serving as a firefighter pilot. His stellar record achievements have garnered endorsements from prominent figures within the Republican Party.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich voiced his support for Sheehy this week, according to a report from Fox News.
“I want you to know that I’ve looked carefully, and I think Tim Sheehy is going to be a great United States senator,” Gingrich reportedly said.
“He’s a patriot, he’s hard-working, he’s a good businessman, he served in the military, and I think, with your help, he’s going to help straighten Washington out,“ he said in a video obtained by Fox.
Sheehy also secured the backing of Republican Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) and Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT).
He is also endorsed by Sens. Tom Cotton (R-AR), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Ted Budd (R-NC), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Barrasso (R-WY) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO).
Before stepping into the political arena, Sheehy had an illustrious military career, serving in regions like Iraq, Afghanistan, South America and the Pacific, according to his campaign.
His service earned him the Bronze Star with Valor for Heroism in Combat and the Purple Heart Medal. Sheehy is an entrepreneur and shares a family of four children with his wife Carmen, another Marine veteran.
As of now, no other Republicans have announced their intention to run against Sheehy for the nomination.
However, Montana legislators penned an open letter asking Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT), a member of the House Freedom Caucus, who previously challenged Tester in 2018, to run for Tester’s seat.
The outcome of this race could play a pivotal role in determining the balance of power in the Senate where Democrats currently have a slim majority, supported by three independent senators who caucus with them.
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