Sen. Jon Tester’s (D-Mont.) campaign raised $30 million during the third quarter of 2024 as he tries to reverse GOP momentum in the state and nab a fourth full term in office, according to filings with the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
According to the senator’s report to the FEC, he raised $30.1 million between the start of July and end of September and has $7.4 million in the bank. Tester is running against Republican Tim Sheehy, who has overtaken him in the polls in recent weeks.
Tester’s fundraising marks one of the largest hauls on the Democratic side. The massive number has only been equaled or eclipsed by Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas), who is running against 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,” said Shelbi Dantic, Tester’s campaign manager, in a statement. “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.
According to Tester’s campaign, more than 23,000 donations came from Montanans. The average donation was less than $50 overall, with 96 percent of donations being under $100.
A Sheehy victory would likely hand Republicans control of the Senate majority, with the GOP only needing to flip one seat in addition to the one occupied by retiring Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.).
Tester will need all the money he can take in, as Sheehy and Republicans have snatched the lead in recent months. According to the New York Times/Siena survey released last week, Sheehy leads by an 8-point margin.
The Cook Political Report also has the lone Democratic-held seat in the “lean Republican” category.
Decision Desk HQ’s latest forecast also gives Sheehy an 81 percent chance of winning in three weeks.
The post Tester posts $30 million fundraising haul as Sheehy rises in polls appeared first on World Online.
