Tim Sheehy, elected to the U.S. Senate in 2024, is a businessman, combat veteran, and political outsider who ran on a hard-line message of border security, economic growth, and national strength. He leans heavily into his service record and CEO background as proof he’ll “fix Washington.”
Sheehy prioritizes Montana’s energy and agricultural sectors, pushes for deregulation, and frames environmental constraints as job-killers. He’s strongly aligned with conservative border and immigration messaging and backs an assertive U.S. military posture abroad.
Supporters pitch him as a mission-driven patriot who’ll disrupt the status quo. Critics say he’s closely tied to national conservative donors, too friendly to extractive industry, and dismissive of environmental protections.
Mainstream Conservative
Achievements
- Combat veteran and advocate for veteran mental health
- Founder/CEO of a successful aviation and defense-related business
- Promoted rural infrastructure and development for Montana communities
- Backed tax and regulatory cuts framed as pro-jobs
- Championed energy and agriculture as pillars of Montana’s economy
Controversies
- Criticized by environmental groups for prioritizing extraction over conservation
- Questions about alignment with national conservative donors and outside money
- Pushback on hardline border/immigration rhetoric and policy
- Skepticism from some Montana moderates on health care access
- Concerns that rapid deregulation favors industry more than public lands
Top Donors
| Donor | Total | Individuals | PACs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackstone Group | $200,510 | $200,510 | $0 |
| Senate Conservatives Fund | $196,986 | $186,986 | $10,000 |
| Welsh, Carson et al | $72,594 | $72,594 | $0 |
| Yellowstone Bank | $66,500 | $66,500 | $0 |
| AAON Inc | $59,900 | $59,900 | $0 |
Amounts shown reflect organization-linked giving; most funds listed here are from individual donors or aligned PACs.
Recent Elections
2024 Margin R +7.14%