Campaign Beat

Tim Sheehy seemed to shy away from the spotlight when Don Jr. came to campaign. Congressional candidates who showed up to debate talk immigration, climate change and transplants; Schools superintendent candidate faces legal troubles.

A Republican candidate's new ad stands out for its subtlety. Republican Senate candidate Tim Sheehy says times are bad and change is needed, while Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Gianforte argues times are good and he should get another term. A national group opposed to abortion is going door-to-door in Montana. Rep. Zinke votes no on more aid for Israel.

The mystery of the lodged bullet continues. Is it fair for candidates to both criticize and shun the press? As expected, campaign fundraising is breaking records. Learn more now on Campaign Beat.

Republican U.S. Senate hopeful Tim Sheehy faces scrutiny over a mysterious bullet wound and his company’s finances. New polling illustrates just how close and competitive that Senate race is. And at least one candidate in the crowded Eastern District House race turns his back on Trump.

A constitutional amendment to protect abortion moves closer to getting on the ballot. The Republican fight with the judiciary keeps escalating. And the winner of the Republican eastern district congressional primary may boil down to who loves the Trump the most.

Republican lawmakers aren't happy with the State Supreme Court's voting rights ruling. Abortion rights activists aren't happy with Attorney General Knudsen's changes to a proposed constitutional amendment. The Board of Public Education isn't happy with School Superintendent Elsie Arntzen's job performance. Cheer up! It's time for another episode of Campaign Beat.

Abortion supporters face a tight deadline to get a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot. Senate hopeful Tim Sheehy talks up his ranching credentials, but an ad from his opponents calls him a rhinestone cowboy. Gov. Gianforte has a lot more money in the bank than challenger Ryan Busse.

Sen. Tester's position on the war in Gaza could cost him some young voters. State school superintendent and Republican congressional candidate Elsie Arntzen has angered some members of her party. Democrats hope to pick up a few more legislative seats this year.

Matt Rosendale's roller coaster campaign decisions have everyone — including the Campaign Beat team — scratching their heads. Meanwhile, the Senate race is getting tighter.

Rosendale is in, but will that push others out of the race for his House seat? A new Democrat has entered that House race. Steve Daines is being courted to become the next leader of Senate Republicans.

Will he, or won't he? Questions abound about Rep. Matt Rosendale's political future. A former congressman wants Rosendale's House seat. Democrat Ryan Busse picks a well-known Helena attorney as his running mate in the governor's race.

Matt Rosendale shocks everyone by dropping out of the Senate race just days after entering. Republicans are left wondering whether he'll seek re-election. Gov. Gianforte, like all Republicans running this year, makes border security a top issue.

Matt Rosendale joins the U.S. Senate race. A familiar name in Montana politics may run for Rosendale's House seat. And both Democrats and Republicans target China in their campaign ads.

Democrat Monica Tranel's race for Congress is drawing national attention and resources. Montana Republicans are getting chippy with each other over who should be their nominee for Senate. And former Gov. Marc Racicot thinks Donald Trump should not be allowed to run again for president.

The Democratic candidate for governor thinks Montanans are ready to reject Republicans. Rep. Matt Rosendale is having a very public feud with one of his Republican Senate colleagues. And former Gov. Steve Bullock stars in a new documentary about a potential civil war.

Montana's western district congressional race is déjà vu all over again. Gov. Gianforte quietly announces he's running again, while his Democratic opponent hopes to make a loud splash. Republican Senatorial candidate Tim Sheehy goes full MAGA. Attorney General Austin Knudsen tries to keep an abortion initiative off the ballot.

If Gov. Gianforte runs for re-election, as expected, he'll face a political newcomer with an old message: the ultra-rich don't care about everyday Montanans. But are voters even paying attention to this race?

The incumbent seeking his 4th term faces a political newcomer — and maybe a previous foe — in Montana's U.S. Senate race. And lots of Republicans — and a couple of Democrats — are interested in Montana's eastern district congressional seat. Campaign Beat returns with news and analysis of the 2024 elections.

How Tranel lost and how Rosendale won. A snarky victory speech and emotional concession speech. A defeat for opponents of legal abortion, a legislative trouncing and Montana Democrats left with some soul-searching to do.