Tester, Sheehy Face Off For Second Debate
The Montana U.S. Senate race is heating up, as Democratic Senator Jon Tester and his Republican challenger, Tim Sheehy, locked horns in a fiery debate on Monday night in Missoula. Hosted by Montana PBS, the two candidates wasted no time trading sharp criticisms on key issues, showcasing the deep political divide that defines this race.
One of the major flashpoints in the debate was the topic of abortion. Tim Sheehy, the Republican contender, reaffirmed his stance on respecting the potential outcome of CI-128, the Montana ballot measure that could add abortion rights to the state’s constitution.
He made clear that while he respects the will of the voters, he supports exceptions for cases involving rape, incest, and the life of the mother. However, Sheehy criticized Democrats for backing what he termed extreme positions on late-term abortion. “When there’s a viable life included, that life also has the right to protection,” he emphasized.
Senator Jon Tester hit back, arguing that Sheehy’s characterization of Democratic positions was misleading. He framed the debate as one of personal choice, stating, “Whose decision is it to be made? It’s the woman’s decision.” Tester also highlighted Sheehy’s past statements where he had referred to abortion as “terrible” and “murder,” challenging whether Sheehy would truly respect the outcome of the abortion-related ballot measure.
Tim Sheehy just won his election in Montana. pic.twitter.com/6LKkbNqp5j
— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) October 1, 2024
The candidates also clashed over immigration and federal lands management. Sheehy accused Tester and the Biden administration of mishandling border security, citing an uptick in migrant crossings. In return, Tester laid the blame on Republican leadership for failing to support a bipartisan border bill earlier in the year that could have provided much-needed reform.
Tester also warned that Sheehy favored transferring federal lands, which Tester claimed would harm Montana’s public lands. Sheehy, in response, mocked the idea that he had done anything of the sort, quipping, “It’s amazing how much influence I have for not being a senator.”
Another tense moment occurred when Tester pushed Sheehy on controversial comments he had made regarding Native American communities. Sheehy admitted his comments were “insensitive,” explaining that his military background often involved off-color jokes.
Tester, however, urged him to offer a direct apology, arguing that respect for others matters, especially in leadership. In a sharp retort, Sheehy shifted the focus back to Tester, asking, “Will you apologize for opening the border?”