Jon Tester

Democrat senior Senator of Montana

Senator
Montana
January 4, 2007 - January 3, 2013
Senator
Montana
January 3, 2013 - January 3, 2019
Senator
Montana
January 3, 2019 - January 3, 2025

202-224-2644

@SenatorTester

tester.senate.gov

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January 1, 1956 (68 years old)

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American politician and farmer
Senior United States senator from Montana, elected in 2006
Dean of Montana’s congressional delegation
Served in the Montana Senate from 1999 to 2007, including as its president
First elected to the U.S. Senate in 2006, narrowly won reelection in 2012 and 2018, and is running for reelection in 2024
Born in Havre, Montana, with a background in music education
Worked as a music teacher before returning to farming; transitioned the family farm to organic farming
Involved in local education and conservation efforts prior to state senate
Gained the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate in 2006 through a grassroots effort
Known for moderate or centrist Democratic positions, with a focus on practical solutions over party lines
Supports abortion rights, has mixed voting record on gun control, supports veterans’ affairs, and has shown interest in healthcare reform
Opposed the appointment of Larry Summers as chairman of the Federal Reserve
Received significant campaign contributions from lobbyists in 2018
Was present at the Capitol during the January 6, 2021, insurrection and criticized Trump’s role in it
Holds several committee assignments in the Senate, including the Appropriations Committee and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, which he chairs
Advocates for privacy rights, opposing the PATRIOT Act and supporting the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
Has a mixed record on environmental issues, supporting both conservation efforts and the timber industry
Voted to convict Trump in both impeachment trials
Married with three children, maintains a connection to his farming roots, and is a Freemason