Sen. Jon Tester of Montana is the target of a multi-million dollar ad campaign aimed at highlighting his record on illegal immigration. Financed by One Nation, which is aligned with Senate Republican leadership, the $15.2 million ad blitz will run until Sept. 2 and reach voters through broadcast, cable, and digital platforms. The ad, titled “Line,” shows Tester voting against amnesty early in his Senate career before voting in favor of a path to legal status and citizenship for illegal immigrants. It also calls out his support for continuing funding for sanctuary cities like New York City.
The ad encourages Montana voters to pressure Tester to stop supporting what it refers to as President Biden’s border disaster and support the Republican-led Secure the Border Act. This bill aims to resume construction on the southern border wall, tighten asylum standards, increase Border Patrol agents, and prevent the Department of Homeland Security from assisting illegal immigrants in the U.S. One Nation’s President and CEO, Steven Law, accuses Tester of voting for pro-illegal immigration policies that have contributed to the crisis at the southern border and urges him to change his stance.
Tester’s campaign rejects the claims made by One Nation, arguing that the ad distorts the senator’s record. They point to his support for a bipartisan border package negotiated in the Senate, which ultimately failed to pass due to opposition from conservative border hawks, including former President Donald Trump. Despite the attack ads, Tester’s campaign remains confident in his record of fighting for tough border security bills, addressing the fentanyl crisis, and opposing sanctuary cities. The Montana Senate race is expected to be competitive and is rated as a “Toss Up” by The Cook Political Report.
As the border crisis becomes a prominent issue for voters across the country, Tester has been cautious in handling legislative matters related to immigration and the border. Last month, Republican senators accused him of being unwilling to vote on immigration-related amendments before passing a $1.2 trillion spending package. Tester denied the claims, and his office refuted the allegations. With the Senate set to take up the House-passed articles of impeachment for Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, Tester may face additional pressure in the coming weeks. Democrats are expected to dismiss the trial quickly, but garnering full caucus support is crucial due to the narrow Senate divide.
Amidst the ad campaign and potential impeachment trial, Tester’s Republican opponent in November is likely to be former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy, who is running in a largely uncontested primary. As the race heats up, the focus on immigration and border issues is expected to remain central, given the political landscape in Montana. Tester’s response to these challenges, along with his campaign strategy, will be closely watched in the coming months as the race unfolds. Despite the attack ads and attempts to question his record, Tester remains committed to his platform and stance on key issues affecting Montana and the nation at large.
