Critical Senate Race Has Dems Very Nervous
Tim Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL and war hero, has received a crucial endorsement in his bid to unseat Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., in the 2024 election.
U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., officially endorsed Sheehy in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital. Despite the growing list of high-profile endorsements within the GOP, the endorsement from the former Navy SEAL commander and Montana congressman carries extra weight due to his own military background.
"Tim Sheehy not only is a war hero, but he also represents the next generation of leadership," Zinke said. "He served this country, his wife is a Marine, he understands sacrifice, and he also understands success."
Zinke described Sheehy as having the "showmanship" needed for leadership.
"In my experience as a commander, anyone can fight. It takes leadership to win. And you have to show leadership," Zinke said.
Sheehy received the Bronze Star for valor in combat and the Purple Heart during his military service. Zinke himself pinned Sheehy's Purple Heart to his chest in a ceremony.
In addition to Zinke, Sheehy's campaign has been endorsed by prominent members within the GOP, including Montana's Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte and Sens. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla.
"Tim Sheehy is a decorated veteran, successful businessman, and a great Montanan," Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., said in a statement. "I could not be happier that he has decided to enter the Montana Senate race."
The Montana Senate race is seen as critical for both Democrats and Republicans. Zinke believes Montanans "are thirsting for leadership" and are expecting to tackle a number of "daunting tasks" including the national debt, China, and the border.
"It's going to take courage and leadership to address this," Zinke said. "As a former commander, now congressman, and secretary, I think Tim [Sheehy] represents the right type of leadership that we need in the country."
The primary election for the seat is yet to be announced, but Sheehy hopes his growing list of endorsements will put him in a strong position to take on Tester when the time comes.
"I'm duty, honor, country. I'm red, white and blue," Zinke said. "And we need a red, white and blue moment, that when you say you support the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, I prefer those who have shown it in battle, because I think that's what it's going to take."