Montana Senate Poll Finds Democratic Incumbent Trailing GOP Challenger, With Control of Senate in Balance

Montana Senate Poll Finds Democratic Incumbent Trailing GOP Challenger, with Control of Senate in Balance

The latest polling from The New York Times and Siena College shows that Republican challenger Tim Sheehy is leading Democratic incumbent Senator Jon Tester in the Montana Senate race. The poll indicates that Sheehy is ahead of Tester with a score of 52% compared to 44%, a seven-point margin. This development suggests that Republicans are poised to take control of the U.S. Senate, particularly with the retirement of Senator Joe Manchin from West Virginia, which virtually guarantees a seat flipping toward the GOP.

Senator Tester, who has managed to attract moderate and independent voters, faces significant challenges in a state known for its conservative leanings. Former President Donald J. Trump currently leads in Montana by 17 percentage points, further complicating Tester’s re-election campaign. The outcome of this race is crucial for determining control of the Senate, as Democrats currently hold a 51-seat majority and cannot afford to lose any more seats.