Trump-backed Navy SEAL veteran Tim Sheehy (R) has successfully defeated three-term Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) in Montana, boosting the Republican Senate majority for the upcoming Congress.
The Associated Press projected Sheehy as the winner early Wednesday. With 85% of the vote counted by 6:38 a.m. ET, Sheehy secured 53% of the vote, while Tester trailed with 45%, according to the New York Times.
Endorsed by President-Elect Donald Trump in the Republican primary, Sheehy expressed his gratitude for the support in an exclusive interview with Breitbart News, stating, "It’s a great honor to have President Trump’s endorsement. We’ve been very vocal about our support for the America First policies and agenda, which he skillfully enacted during his time in the White House."
Trump had previously praised Sheehy, calling him "an American Hero and highly successful businessman," and highlighting his strong support from key Republican leaders like Sen. Steve Daines.
Sheehy’s victory further solidifies the GOP’s strengthened majority in the Senate, with other wins from Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Gov. Jim Justice (R-WV), who flipped the West Virginia seat held by Sen. Joe Manchin (D). Additionally, Republican Bernie Moreno ousted Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH).
With these victories, Republicans now hold at least 52 seats in the 119th Congress, with additional opportunities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Nevada, and Arizona still up for grabs.