The spending amounts in this piece are current as of July 31, 2024. PAC spending may change on a daily basis. This story will be updated.
More than $27 million has been spent on political advertising in Montana’s U.S. Senate race through July by political action committees acting independently of the candidates and without spending limits.
Following patterns established in Montana’s past U.S. Senate races, both the amount spent and the number of PACs spending in the race will likely more than double between now and the Nov. 5 general elections.
For now, Republican challenger Tim Sheehy is the primary focus of PAC spending, both for and against. Groups supporting the Belgrade businessman and Navy veteran have spent $9.3 million promoting his campaign, while groups opposing him have spent $10.2 million.
Everything from digital ads, mailers and print media to TV, radio and internet advertising is represented in the totals reported to the Federal Elections Commission.
There has been less spent on messaging focused on incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Tester, but that messaging has been mostly negative, with $7.4 million spent on ads opposing the three-term senator and farmer from Big Sandy. Ad spending supporting Tester amounted to $407,346.
A closer look at the major donors for each PAC shows relationships centered on banking and finance for several conservative donors. For progressive donors, the relationships center on unions, conservation groups, and nonprofit “dark money” groups that don’t disclose donors.
Montana Free Press has summarized the identity and agenda of every PAC that has so far spent at least $100,000 in the Senate race:
MORE JOBS, LESS GOVERNMENT
Last Best Place PAC
AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITY ACTION INC.
VOTEVETS
END CITIZENS UNITED
SENTINEL ACTION FUND
MONTANA RURAL VOTERS (WORC)
SAVE OUR COUNTRY
1889 PAC
The statement of organization for 1889 PAC identifies Les Williamson, of Houston, Texas, as treasurer. Williamson turns up on multiple campaign expense reports filed by Republican campaign committees.
