Tester wins Democratic Senate primary in Montana

Sen. Jon Tester won the Democratic primary for Senate in Montana, according to a Decision Desk HQ projection, setting him up for a closely watched race for reelection in red Montana. 

Across the aisle, businessman Tim Sheehy is favored to win the Republican contest and tee up a bitter battle for the upper chamber seat this fall. 

The Senate Republicans’ campaign arm and former President Trump have both backed Sheehy as the party eyes vulnerable Tester, a Democrat holding office in the state Biden lost back in 2020 — and the only Democrat holding statewide office in Montana. 

Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.) launched a Senate bid earlier this year, but helped the GOP avoid a bitter primary by dropping out as support rallied around Sheehy. 

Polling so far has shown Sheehy and Tester locked in a tight race in a November head-to-head.

A new forecast from Decision Desk HQ/The Hill, based on six polls, puts Sheehy at a 72-percent chance of winning in a head-to-head with Tester this fall.