Washington (CNN) Montana Sen. John Tester announced Wednesday morning that he will seek re-election in 2024. Gives a boost to Democrats’ confidence Retaining the Senate.
“It’s official. I’m running for re-election,” Tester said Tweeted. “Montananians need a fighter who will hold our government accountable and Washington will stand up for veterans and demand lower costs for families. I will always fight to protect our Montana values. Let’s get to work.”
Tester is one of several Democratic senators from red and purple states who could face competitive challenges this cycle. West Virginia Sen. Along with Joe Manchin, Tester was one of the key incumbents urged by party leadership to seek re-election.
Reacting to the announcement, the National Republican Senatorial Caucus tied Tester with President Joe Biden in the deep red state, calling him the president’s “favorite senator.”
Democrats have a tough road ahead of retaining their slim 51-49 majority 23 locations to protect compared to just 11 for the GOP.
Additionally, they must hold Democratic seats in GOP terrain like Ohio and West Virginia — not to mention hold their seats in swing states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan and Nevada. Because Republican incumbents are often running in ruby-red states or GOP-trending states like Florida, the map gives them less of a layoff.
Tester has nearly $3 million in his Senate campaign account as he prepares to campaign.
This story has been updated with additional background information.
CNN’s Melanie Zanona contributed to this report.
