Jon Tester
Raymond Jon Tester (born August 21, 1956) is an American politician and farmer serving as the senior United States senator from Montana, a seat he has held since 2007. A member of the Democratic Party, Tester is the dean of Montana's congressional delegation and the only Democrat who holds statewide office in Montana. He served in the Montana Senate from 1999 to 2007, and as its president for his last two years in the chamber. He is generally considered a centrist or moderate Democrat.
Jon Tester | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2014 | |
| Chair of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee | |
| Assumed office February 3, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Jerry Moran |
| Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee | |
| In office January 3, 2017 – February 3, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Richard Blumenthal |
| Succeeded by | Jerry Moran |
| Chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee | |
| In office January 3, 2015 – January 3, 2017 | |
| Leader | Harry Reid |
| Preceded by | Michael Bennet |
| Succeeded by | Chris Van Hollen |
| Chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee | |
| In office February 12, 2014 – January 3, 2015 | |
| Preceded by | Maria Cantwell |
| Succeeded by | John Barrasso |
| United States Senator from Montana | |
| Assumed office January 3, 2007 | |
| Preceded by | Conrad Burns |
| President of the Montana Senate | |
| In office January 3, 2005 – January 3, 2007 | |
| Deputy | Dan Harrington |
| Preceded by | Bob Keenan |
| Succeeded by | Mike Cooney |
| Member of the Montana Senate | |
| In office January 4, 1999 – January 3, 2007 | |
| Preceded by | Loren Jenkins |
| Succeeded by | Jim Peterson |
| Constituency | 15th (2005–2007) 45th (1999–2005) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Raymond Jon Tester August 21, 1956 Havre, Montana, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Sharla Bitz (m. 1978) |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | University of Providence (BA) |
| Signature | |
| Website | Senate website |
Tester was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2006, defeating Republican incumbent Conrad Burns in one of the closest Senate races of that year. He narrowly won reelection in 2012 against U.S. Representative Denny Rehberg, and in 2018 against Montana State Auditor Matt Rosendale. He is running for reelection in 2024.