Republicans are zeroing in on who would be the best challenger to Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) in a key Senate race that could help determine which party will hold control of the upper chamber in 2024.
GOP leaders with the National Republican Senatorial Committee are reportedly courting veteran Tim Sheehy to take on the Democratic incumbent, pointing to his military background and status as a political outsider as advantages to boost his standing. NRSC Chairman Steve Daines has been pushing Sheehy to launch a bid as the committee leader shops around for top contenders, according to Axios.
REPUBLICANS MIGHT STRUGGLE TO WIN VULNERABLE SENATE SEATS IF PRIMARY FIGHTS BREAK OUT
Should he choose to run, Sheehy has several advantages that would make him a formidable opponent to Tester. Sheehy is a former Navy SEAL who has completed over 200 missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, South America, and the U.S. Pacific Command. He also was awarded the Purple Heart medal in 2015 for his service in Afghanistan.
Sheehy is independently wealthy, meaning the veteran could self-finance his campaign. He would also benefit from never holding office before, as it would absolve him from attacks on voting records or previous controversial statements.
If he decides to run, a campaign announcement wouldn’t be expected for several months, according to Axios. However, it would place him in what is likely to be a tough primary cycle against Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT), who is seen as another top contender among GOP circles.
Montana has emerged as one of Republicans’ top targets in the 2024 cycle as the GOP homes in on a handful of Democratic senators seeking reelection in red states. That list includes Tester, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), and Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH).
Tester is considered one of the most vulnerable Democratic incumbents, as he is running in a state that Trump won by 16.4 percentage points in 2020. The NRSC has already begun targeting the Democratic incumbent, launching a series of attack ads calling on him either to “retire or get fired.”
Tester announced last month he would run for another term, easing Democratic concerns they would need to find a new candidate who could defend the seat in the reliably red state. Tester has expressed confidence in his chances as the Democratic incumbent benefits from a 60% approval rating and has handily been reelected twice since taking office in 2007.
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There are a total of 33 Senate seats up for grabs in the 2024 election cycle. Of these, Democrats, or independents who caucus with them, must defend 23, compared to just 10 for Republicans. The circumstances put Republicans in a strong position to flip some crucial seats that could easily shift the current balance of power in the upper chamber.
Republicans only need to flip one Senate seat to win the majority should they win back the White House in 2024. If they don’t regain the Oval Office, the party needs to secure two extra Senate seats.