FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS — On Sunday morning, Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester and his Republican challenger Tim Sheehy participated in the first general election debate, which is expected to be one of the most closely watched races in the country this year.
The hourlong debate was sponsored by the Montana Broadcasters Association and the Greater Montana Foundation and took place at Fairmont Hot Springs, in conjunction with the annual MBA convention.
Throughout the debate, both candidates expressed concerns about rising housing costs, veterans’ mental health, and the threat from China. While they found common ground on certain issues, they also highlighted their differences.
Sheehy criticized President Joe Biden’s executive action to cap asylum requests as “pandering,” while Tester accused Republicans in Congress of politicizing border policy.
The two men also clashed over their stances on abortion, with Tester emphasizing the right to reproductive freedom and Sheehy accusing Democrats of supporting late-term abortions.
Tester highlighted his background as a farmer and former teacher to showcase his representation of Montana values, contrasting himself with Sheehy, who he claimed contributed to the housing affordability issue.
Sheehy, a Gallatin County business owner, positioned himself as the candidate to bring about change and criticized the policies of the Biden administration, which he linked to Tester.
Both candidates promised to stand up for Montanans and address pressing issues if elected.
You can view the complete debate on the Montana PBS Facebook page.
