Huge relief for Democrats as Senator Jon Tester says he WILL run again in Montana in 2024: Boosts party’s chances of fighting back Republicans in a brutal political map
- Democrats defending 23 seats compared to 11 for Republicans
- Trump won Montana by 16 points
- Tester’s decision provides Democrats a sense of relief
Montana Sen. Jon Tester announced Wednesday that he will seek reelection in 2024 – providing Democrats a sigh of relief as they face a highly unfavorable map for the second consecutive cycle.
‘It’s official. I’m running for reelection,’ Tester Tweeted Wednesday morning.
‘Montanans need a fighter that will hold our government accountable and demand Washington stand up for veterans and lower costs for families. I will always fight to defend our Montana values. Let’s get to work,’ he wrote.
Tester, 66, was first elected in 2006, and has demonstrated his ability to stay attuned to his state, which voted for Donald Trump by 16 percentage points. His decision allows Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer to avoid defending an open seat and dodge an additional recruiting challenge, as he seeks to preserve his single-vote majority.
RUNNING: ‘It’s official. I’m running for reelection,’ Sen. Jon Tester Tweeted Wednesday morning, in a move that allows Democrats to avoid defending a difficult open seat
The news comes a day after Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee announced her decision to seek the California seat held by the retiring Sen. Dianne Feinstein, in what is expected to be a divisive primary in a heavily Democratic state.
Tester acknowledged the difficulty even he will face keeping the seat in Democrats’ hands.
‘Political experts are saying Montana is the GOP’s top target in 2024 and we have to be ready,’ he wrote in an online fundraising appeal. ‘Chip in a couple bucks to win this seat and stop McConnell from retaking the Senate majority,’ he said, referencing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who hopes to regain his old job as majority leader.
Democrats are defending 23 seats in 2024, compared to 11 for Republicans. If Democrats keep the White House, Republicans need to pick up two seats to gain the majority. If Republicans get the White House, they could secure control with just 50 seats and a single pickup.
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) wants his incumbents to seek reelection, as Democrats face an unfavorable map
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), like Tester, faces reelection in a state that went for Donald Trump
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is trying to engineer a GOP takeover
Democrats also face challenges in another highly conservative state, West Virginia, where Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin has been coy about his plans. He could seek reelection, or run for governor, or even seek the White House – or even run under another party label.
‘Everything’s on the table,’ Manchin told NBC last month. ‘I’m going to do everything I can to make sure that when I make my decision I make it based on what’s best … for my country and my state.’
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), also announced he will seek reelection in a state Trump carried.
Tester has earned bipartisan credentials by chairing the Veterans Affairs Committee.
Potential challengers include GOP Reps. Matt Rosendale and Ryan Zinke, as well as Gov. Greg Gianforte and state AG Austin Knudsen.
