Former President Trump's campaign has slammed incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Tester of Montana as "radically out of touch" following the rollout of several ads accusing his Republican opponent, Tim Sheehy, of supporting an abortion ban without exceptions. The ads have ignited a fierce debate in the competitive race, with Sheehy clarifying his position on abortion limitations.
The Trump campaign has launched a scathing attack on Democratic Senator Jon Tester of Montana, labeling him as "radically out of touch" after he released a series of video ads targeting his Republican opponent, Tim Sheehy, on the issue of abortion. The ads allege that Sheehy supports a restrictive abortion ban without any exceptions.
Trump Campaign Blasts Tester on Abortion Stance in Montana Senate Race
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt denounced Tester's stance on abortion, accusing him of being out of sync with the majority of Americans. "Kamala Harris and Democrats like Jon Tester are radically out of touch with the majority of Americans in their support for abortion up until birth and even after birth, and forcing taxpayers to fund it," Leavitt asserted.
Tester's first ad, released last week, featured a woman expressing fears that Sheehy would allow an abortion ban without exceptions, including in cases where the procedure is necessary to preserve the woman's life or health. The ad sparked criticism from the Trump campaign, which has consistently supported states' rights on abortion.
Trump Campaign Blasts Tester on Abortion Stance in Montana Senate Race
In two subsequent ads, women claimed that Sheehy would allow politicians to ban abortion with no exceptions and potentially criminalize women seeking abortions. However, Sheehy has repeatedly stated that he believes in exceptions to any abortion limitations.
"I'll always protect the three rights for women. Rape, incest, and the life of the mother," Sheehy declared during a debate with Tester in June. In an interview with Montana Public Radio in May, he emphasized his "proudly pro-life" stance but also acknowledged the need for exceptions in cases of rape, incest, and the mother's life.
Trump Campaign Blasts Tester on Abortion Stance in Montana Senate Race
Sheehy has further maintained that any additional limits on abortion should be determined by individual states rather than imposed uniformly across the country. The Trump campaign has echoed this sentiment, reiterating its support for states' rights on the issue.
"President Trump has long been consistent in supporting the rights of states to make decisions on abortion," a Trump campaign spokesperson stated.
Trump Campaign Blasts Tester on Abortion Stance in Montana Senate Race
On Sheehy's campaign website, he criticized Tester's stance on abortion, accusing him of supporting elective abortions "on demand up until the moment of birth."
"Think about that again: Jon Tester supports aborting a healthy, full-term baby the day before it's due. That is the extreme position here," Sheehy wrote.
Trump Campaign Blasts Tester on Abortion Stance in Montana Senate Race
When asked if he supported any limitations on abortion, Tester's campaign declined to comment to Fox News Digital. Tester is seeking re-election in Montana, a state that voted twice for Trump. The race between him and Sheehy is considered highly competitive, with nonpartisan political handicapper Cook Political Report rating it a "Toss Up."
The issue of abortion has become increasingly prominent in the national discourse following the Supreme Court's overturn of Roe v. Wade. The decision has sparked a wave of legislative action in various states, with some pushing for restrictive bans and others expanding access to abortion.
The Tester-Sheehy race in Montana is a microcosm of the broader national debate on abortion, with both sides seeking to capitalize on the issue to rally their supporters. As the race heats up, the candidates' stances on abortion will likely be a key factor in voters' decisions.
