Sen. Jon Tester is facing a tough challenge from Tim Sheehy in the 2024 election, with Tester painting Sheehy as a threat to public lands and Montana values. Tester criticized Sheehy for being an outsider who is buying up large properties in Montana and locking people out of public lands. Sheehy, on the other hand, defended himself, saying that Tester believes outsiders are part of the problem and that everyone’s voice should matter.
Sheehy, a pro-Donald Trump conservative and former Navy SEAL, has made significant investments in Montana, including purchasing multimillion-dollar properties and founding the Little Belt Cattle Company. The company offers paid hunting access on its vast acreage, which has raised concerns about access to public lands for the average Montanan. Sheehy has also advocated for federal lands to be turned over to states, a position that Tester and many Western state voters oppose.
In the first debate between Tester and Sheehy, the issue of public lands was not specifically addressed, but both candidates touched on its importance in relation to tourism and the economy. Sheehy defended his position on public lands, emphasizing that he believes Montanans know best how to manage their land. Tester, however, expressed concerns about outsiders shaping the state in ways that the local population does not approve of, calling for the preservation of Montana’s current way of life.
As the race heats up, Sheehy has been working to counter negative attention surrounding his positions on public lands and his investments in Montana. He has accused Tester and his allies of spreading lies about his support for public lands and has sought to clarify his stance on the issue. Tester, on the other hand, has highlighted Sheehy’s previous comments advocating for the transfer of federal lands to state control, painting his opponent as a threat to Montana’s public lands.
The debate highlighted the contrasting views of Tester and Sheehy on the issue of public lands, with Tester emphasizing the need to preserve Montana’s current way of life and Sheehy defending his investments and advocating for local control. With public lands likely to be a key issue in the race, outside groups like the Montana Outdoor Values Action Fund are already running ads warning about the potential impact of Sheehy’s positions on hunting and fishing access in the state. The outcome of the election will have significant implications for the future of public lands in Montana.
