Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) has become the first Senate Democrat to support the Laken Riley Act, a bill aimed at addressing the border crisis. Tester, who faces a tough re-election battle in a red state, emphasized the importance of keeping Montana safe and holding individuals who commit crimes accountable. The Laken Riley Act, which passed the House with bipartisan support, would require migrants charged with theft or burglary to be detained by federal immigration authorities.
The bill is named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia who was brutally murdered by an illegal migrant with a criminal record. Tester’s support for the legislation has drawn criticism from the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which accused him of flip-flopping on the issue. Tester’s stance on the border crisis is seen as a key issue in his re-election campaign, with border security and immigration being top priorities for many Montana voters.
During a hearing with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Tester expressed concerns about the strain that efforts to secure the southern border are placing on the Department of Defense’s budget. He emphasized the need for the administration to do more to address the crisis and secure the border without relying on military resources. Tester’s outspokenness on this issue is seen as a way to distance himself from the administration’s handling of immigration and appeal to voters in his state.
Tester’s likely opponent in the November Senate election is Republican Tim Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL and businessman who has made border security and immigration a central part of his campaign. Sheehy is backed by former President Donald Trump and has criticized Tester for what he sees as political opportunism. A recent poll showed Sheehy leading Tester by three points, indicating a competitive race in the upcoming election.
Tester’s history of narrow election victories in a state that leans Republican underscores the challenges he faces in his bid for re-election. Despite being the only Democratic member of Montana’s congressional delegation, Tester has managed to win re-election in the past by small margins. With Republicans controlling both chambers of the state legislature and the governorship, Tester’s support for the Laken Riley Act and his stance on border security will be key issues in the upcoming election.
Overall, Tester’s support for the Laken Riley Act reflects his efforts to address the border crisis and strengthen immigration enforcement. With a tough re-election battle ahead, Tester is positioning himself as a moderate Democrat who is willing to work across party lines on issues of national security and public safety. The upcoming Senate election in Montana is expected to be closely watched as Democrats and Republicans vie for control of the upper chamber.