President Trump waves to the crowd at a rally in Billings on September 6, 2018 (Photo by Jonathan McNiven)
Just three weeks after an assassination attempt in which he was shot in the ear, President Donald Trump is set to make a high-profile appearance in Bozeman, Montana, with a rally scheduled for August 9, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. Trump will be joined by Republican Senate candidate Tim Sheehy. The event will take place at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse at Montana State University. The event was confirmed by Sheehy in a video posted on his official campaign X account.
As the 2024 campaign season rages along, Trump’s visit to Montana is an interesting strategic decision. In 2020 President Trump beat President Biden by 16 points here, and in 2016 he beat Hillary Clinton by 20. Montana’s presidential electoral votes are likely secure for Trump. However, there is one specific election in Montana that has a chance to change the entire makeup of the federal government: the Senate race between Jon Tester and Tim Sheehy.
Currently, the Democratic party has a slight majority of 51-49 in the United States Senate. With Democratic West Virginian Senator Joe Manchin not seeking reelection, that seat is considered a safe flip for the Republican Party, which would place the Senate in a 50-50 tie. The next most likely seat to flip is Montana’s. It appears that the Republican party sees Montana as their pathway to a majority in the Senate, and sees Jon Tester as a vulnerable, albeit tough candidate.
President Donald Trump lands in Bozeman Montana November 3, 2018 and holds a rally on the Belgrade airport tarmac while thousands wait to hear his message. In the background, airplanes in the background were allowed to depart during his rally as Air Force one positions next to the rally goers. (Jonathan McNiven Photo)
The cruciality of winning this seat for the Republican party is heightened by the fact that fellow Montana Senator Steve Daines is currently serving as the chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. The NRSC has listed Jon Tester as one of their priority targets for this election. This will be a tightly contested race, with Montana being a generally conservative state, and Tim Sheehy a strong candidate, but Jon Tester has the advantages of incumbency and access to significantly more campaign funds. Still three months out from the election, it is apparent both sides view this seat as critical to their long-term plans.
President Donald Trump talks to crowd in Belgrade, MT on 11-3-2018. (Jonathan McNiven Photo)
Trump is set to discuss his bread-and-butter topics of this cycle: curbing inflation, securing the border, and eliminating taxes on tips and Social Security. The Republican Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL and current Montana business owner, will open for him.
Local and state police have been working jointly to ensure a safe event, with the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office communicating directly with the Trump campaign team.
If you are interested in attending the rally, visit President Trump’s website here. The doors open at 4:00pm and President Trump is scheduled to take the stage at 8:00 pm.
