Sen. Jon Tester’s (D-Mont.) marketing campaign raised $30 million throughout the third quarter of 2024 as he tries to reverse GOP momentum within the state and nab a fourth full time period in workplace, in response to filings with the Federal Election Fee (FEC).
In response to the senator’s report back to the FEC, he raised $30.1 million between the beginning of July and finish of September and has $7.4 million within the financial institution. Tester is operating towards Republican Tim Sheehy, who has overtaken him within the polls in current weeks.
Tester’s fundraising marks one of many largest hauls on the Democratic aspect. The large quantity has solely been equaled or eclipsed by Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas), who’s operating towards Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).
“Montanans are sending a clear message that they are ready to run through the tape to send Jon Tester back to the U.S. Senate,” mentioned Shelbi Dantic, Tester’s marketing campaign supervisor, in a press release. “We are so grateful that Jon has overwhelming grassroots support from Montanans in every corner of the state, and we will channel this unprecedented momentum through election day to make sure Jon Tester can continue to defend Montana.”
“Montanans know that the dirt farmer from Big Sandy is the best choice to fight for our state and defend our freedoms – not the ultra wealthy out-of-stater Tim Sheehy, who has lied about nearly every aspect of his life and would change Montana into a place only millionaires can afford to live,” she added.
In response to Tester’s marketing campaign, greater than 23,000 donations got here from Montanans. The common donation was lower than $50 total, with 96 % of donations being underneath $100.
A Sheehy victory would seemingly hand Republicans management of the Senate majority, with the GOP solely needing to flip one seat along with the one occupied by retiring Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.).
Tester will want all the cash he can soak up, as Sheehy and Republicans have snatched the lead in current months. In response to the New York Instances/Siena survey launched final week, Sheehy leads by an 8-point margin.
The Cook dinner Political Report additionally has the lone Democratic-held seat within the “lean Republican” class.
Resolution Desk HQ’s newest forecast additionally offers Sheehy an 81 % probability of successful in three weeks.