You may be surprised to learn that the very red states of Montana and Ohio have Democratic senators! Jon Tester (MT) and Sherrod Brown (OH) were elected to the incoming Senate class of 2007 and have successfully served the people in their states well. Both Senators understand what the voters in their states want and need. And they’ve been voted in again and again, and not only by Democrats.
Jon Tester, himself a working farmer, has carefully cultivated his reputation as a moderate. He champions unions, ranchers, and veterans, and he holds his love of rural Montana close. His voting record confirms his desire to be seen as a moderate. But he is also a strong Democrat, who voted with the caucus to pass the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Gun Safety Bill, The Chips Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. He is pro-choice; he understands that the government should not come between a woman and her doctor.
Sherrod Brown, who describes himself as a progressive populist, has made economics his centerpiece. He fought against global trade agreements before it was cool. He has fought for the ACA (Obamacare) and for 40 years plus, has represented working-class people regardless of color or orientation. He’s also fully on board with abortion rights, introducing the 2023 Women’s Health Protection Act. He has a reputation in Ohio as being more moderate than the Democratic party.
Unfortunately, the other thing they have in common is being targets of MAGA Republicans. Money is pouring into Ohio right now for Trump-endorsed Bernie Moreno. Montana’s primary is not until June, but Republicans have fully targeted this race as one they can flip.
We must protect these two Senate seats to preserve our majority in the Senate. Having the majority allows us to set the agenda, confirm cabinet members and judges, and is the only chance to overturn Dobbs with legislation. If you can, please donate to them or a grassroots group in Montana or Ohio that will help them retain their seats.