GALLATIN COUNTY — Hundreds of individuals showed up to support Republican Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, who was accompanied by former Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard on the campaign trail Thursday evening in Gallatin County.
Gabbard, now an Independent, has shifted from the Democratic Party (this announcement received some of the loudest applause during the event) and has been endorsing Republican candidates across the country over the past few years.
Prior to the gathering in Bozeman, the pair also made a stop in Kalispell on Thursday morning, where approximately 350 people attended, in addition to the roughly 400 attendees in Bozeman, as stated by the Sheehy campaign. The Gallatin County rally was filled to capacity, with standing-room-only and attendees had to use fans to cool off due to the crowded room.
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The battle for Montana’s Senate seat will be between Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL and Belgrade business owner, and the Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, a Big Sandy farmer who has served in the U.S. Senate since 2007. Tester is one of two Democrats seeking reelection in states won by Donald Trump in 2020. Montana’s Senate race is pivotal, as the winner is likely to impact which party controls the chamber where Democrats currently hold a slight majority.
In the Republican primary in early June, Sheehy easily won with a 54.2-point lead over the second-place candidate.
During his brief speech on Thursday, Sheehy criticized Tester’s voting record, cited “apathy” as a major threat, blamed President Joe Biden for various issues, and emphasized the need to bring “common sense” back to D.C.
Sheehy primarily directed his criticism towards Biden and refrained from attacking Tester’s character, acknowledging the senator’s popularity in the state.
He also maintained a positive tone, focusing on the supporters in the room and describing their campaign as “positive.” However, there have been instances where he criticized Tester on border issues and past comments about Trump.
Sheehy recognized the significant fundraising gap between his campaign and Tester’s but assured the audience that they could surpass them through hard work.
Both candidates have centered their campaigns around Biden, with Sheehy attempting to link Tester to the Democratic president, while Tester’s campaign is trying to distance themselves from that association.
Sheehy praised Gabbard, highlighting her military background and calling her a “beautiful, articulate army officer.”
Gabbard campaigned for Sheehy in Montana, criticizing Tester’s leadership on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and calling for change in how veterans are supported.
Christi Jacobsen, Montana Secretary of State, also spoke at the event and emphasized the importance of using correct pronouns when referring to Sheehy.
As the event concluded, supporters gathered around Sheehy and Gabbard, with one attendee wearing a “Trump Gabbard ’24” shirt. Many others had Gabbard’s book in hand, waiting for her autograph.
Gabbard expressed her enthusiasm for returning to Montana to offer continued support.
Victoria Eavis is a reporter for the Montana State News Bureau.
