Democratic Senator John Tester of Montana reportedly announced on Wednesday that he plans on competing for reelection in 2024.
The news is a relief to Democrats, who had previously been concerned about how they could hold Tester’s seat if he decided not to run.
Tester, who is now serving his third term, had considered retiring before launching a fourth run.
He is the longest-serving member of Montana’s congressional delegation and the delegation’s sole Democrat since Steve Daines took over for John Walsh in 2015.
In 2006, Tester ran for the United States Senate and defeated the incumbent, Republican Conrad Burns. During his campaign, Tester emphasized his commitment to protecting Montana’s natural resources, supporting small businesses, and improving access to healthcare.
He won the election with 49% of the vote and has since been re-elected twice.
Former President Donald Trump won Montana by 16.4 points in 2020, and Daines beat rival Steve Bullock by ten points the following year, making Tester one of the most vulnerable Democratic incumbents.
Tester recognized that his resignation would increase the likelihood of a Republican shift.
Republican Rep. Matt Rosendale, whom Tester beat by 3.5 points in 2018, is seriously exploring a bid for the Senate again. Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke may also run.
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