Former President Donald Trump is set to hold a rally in Bozeman next week to support Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the event, scheduled for August 9 at 8 p.m., marking Trump’s first visit to Montana during this election cycle.
This rally aims to bolster Sheehy’s campaign against three-term incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Tester in one of the nation’s most closely watched races. Trump endorsed Sheehy earlier this year, praising him as an “American Hero” and a “highly successful Businessman from the Great State of Montana.”
Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL and CEO of a Belgrade-based aerial firefighting company, is a newcomer to the political arena but has garnered significant support. In addition to Trump’s endorsement, Sheehy has the backing of U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, Governor Greg Gianforte, U.S. Senator Steve Daines, and the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC). The NRSC is a key player in the Republicans’ strategy to regain a majority in the U.S. Senate.
Trump’s visit to Bozeman is part of a broader campaign effort following an assassination attempt on the former president at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. Despite the security concerns raised by this incident, Trump continues to hold rallies across the country, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming elections.
During the Bozeman rally, Trump is expected to highlight Sheehy’s strengths and the critical nature of the Montana Senate race. In a previous statement on Truth Social, Trump said, “Tim is the candidate who is currently best-positioned to DEFEAT Lazy Jon Tester, and Regain the Republican Majority in the United States Senate.” Trump’s endorsement emphasizes Sheehy’s strong stance on issues such as border security, veterans’ affairs, and Second Amendment rights.
Sheehy expressed his gratitude for Trump’s support, stating he is “incredibly proud and honored” to have the former president’s endorsement. He has positioned himself as a political outsider who will challenge the “Radical Left Democrats” and fight to implement the “America First” agenda.
Trump’s popularity in Montana, a state he won by significant margins in both the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, is expected to draw a large crowd. His previous visits to the state, including four trips during the 2018 election cycle to support Matt Rosendale’s unsuccessful bid to unseat Tester, have shown his strong influence among Montana voters.
The Bozeman rally will also serve as a fundraising opportunity for Sheehy and Montana Republicans. As of the beginning of July, Tester held a significant cash advantage over Sheehy, making fundraising a crucial aspect of the campaign.
Local law enforcement, including the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, is working with state and federal agencies to ensure the event’s safety. The sheriff’s office has been planning for a “safe and peaceful event,” according to communications director Whitney Bermes. Details such as the venue location are expected to be finalized and announced in the coming days.
Trump’s visit to Bozeman underscores the high stakes of the Montana Senate race, which is pivotal for the Republicans’ efforts to reclaim the Senate majority. With Tim Sheehy emerging as a formidable challenger, the support from Trump and other prominent Republicans is expected to energize the campaign and increase voter turnout.