Tim Sheehy, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Montana, delivers an election victory speech on November 5, 2024.
Speaking from Bozeman, Sheehy acknowledged “our Native brothers and sisters” in Montana. “It’s about time we turn the page on relations here,” he said.
“We make sure we get our tribal communities back on their feet economically,” Sheehy said toward the end of his remarks. "We give them sovereignty and agency so that they can succeed economically, grow businesses on the reservation, and have the economic freedom to grow their communities, have prosperity, and have a successful, organic economy on every tribal community in the state.”
Sheehy was controversial on the campaign trail for making derogatory comments about Native people. He repeatedly linked them to alcohol and violent activity but refused to apologize when asked by tribes, tribal organizations, Native lawmakers and other advocates in Montana.
Sheehy defeated Jon Tester, the Democratic incumbent who was known as a champion for tribal issues during his three terms in the U.S. Senate. His victory helped deliver control of the chamber to the Republican Party.
Video Courtesy C-SPAN