Jon has a music degree from the University of Great Falls. He is married to Sharla Bitz and they have three children: Christine, Shon, and Melody. Together they farm land just outside of Big Sandy, Montana. Jon was born in Havre, Montana, and grew up in Chouteau County on his family's farm. 


Jon is a third-generation farmer. He taught music at F. E. Miley Elementary School before entering politics. He has served as a U.S. Senator since 2006.

Jon Tester is a United States Senator from Montana. He was elected to this position in 2006, and has served 3 terms in this position. Jon previously served in the Montana Senate from 1999 to 2006. 

Candidate website

Senate, Jon Tester

Supports women's health care access and reproductive rights, endorsing Jon as a U.S. Senate advocate who will protect personal health decisions and defend working families amidst nationwide challenges to these freedoms.

Supports protecting access to abortion and women's health care. 

Said, "“I will always ensure that Montana women have a voice in D.C., especially as women’s rights and freedoms are being threatened across the country and in Montana,”"

Said, "I will always ensure that Montana women have a voice in D.C., especially as women’s rights and freedoms are being threatened across the country and in Montana."

Supports protecting medicare and social security.

Supported measures to increase access to healthcare in rural communities.

- Supports protecting access to abortion and women's health care. 
- Said, "I will always ensure that Montana women have a voice in D.C., especially as women’s rights and freedoms are being threatened across the country and in Montana."
- Supports protecting medicare and social security.
- Supported measures to increase access to healthcare in rural communities.

Healthcare

Supports legislation to overturn the Citizens United decision. This decision ruled that corporations can make unlimited donations to political campaigns, and that limiting these donations is a violation of free speech. 

Supports same-day voter registration, allowing college students to use their IDs to vote, and continued access to early and mail voting.

- Supports legislation to overturn the Citizens United decision. This decision ruled that corporations can make unlimited donations to political campaigns, and that limiting these donations is a violation of free speech. 
- Supports same-day voter registration, allowing college students to use their IDs to vote, and continued access to early and mail voting.

Voting & Elections

Supported the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that secured investments to improve and modernize electrical grids.

Supports the Keystone XL Pipeline project. This project would connect states like Montana and Nebraska to the existing Keystone Pipeline that transports oil between the United States and Canada. 

- Supported the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that secured investments to improve and modernize electrical grids.
- Supports the Keystone XL Pipeline project. This project would connect states like Montana and Nebraska to the existing Keystone Pipeline that transports oil between the United States and Canada. 

Energy & the Environment

The Intercept, THE POLITICS OF THE DREAM ACT SEEM PRETTY EASY, BUT SOME DEMOCRATS ARE STILL SCREWING IT UP

Opposed the DREAM (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minor) Act in 2010, but supported the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program in 2017.

The candidate's website says, "Jon has been steadfast in his support for the bipartisan border deal to secure the border, calling it a “commonsense bill” that “would be the most significant action taken by Congress to address our broken immigration system in literally decades.”"

Supports the bipartisan border deal to increase border security, calling it a "commonsense bill" that would help fix the "broken immigration system". 

The candidate's website says, "Jon’s work has improved access to services for our veterans, cracked down on corruption and cronyism in Washington, lowered prescription drug costs, and secured more resources for our Border Patrol and military."

The candidate's website says, "Jon’s work has improved access to services for our veterans... and secured more resources for our Border Patrol and military."

- Opposed the DREAM (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minor) Act in 2010, but supported the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program in 2017.
- Supports the bipartisan border deal to increase border security, calling it a "commonsense bill" that would help fix the "broken immigration system". 
- The candidate's website says, "Jon’s work has improved access to services for our veterans... and secured more resources for our Border Patrol and military."

Foreign Policy and Immigration

The candidate's website says, "Jon has worked hard to deliver for Montana families... and will never stop fighting to tackle rising costs, and invest in rural America."

Opposes outsiders buying up Montana, driving up living costs; supports fighting corruption and powerful interests in Washington to protect Montana's way of life.

Opposes "outsiders" buying land in Montana and increasing living costs.

Supports the Broadband DATA Act to expand rural broadband coverage.

- Supports investing in "rural America".
- Opposes "outsiders" buying land in Montana and increasing living costs.
- Supports the Broadband DATA Act to expand rural broadband coverage.

Economy

Supports pay raises for border patrol agents, grants for law enforcement agencies, and giving officer more tools to respond to mental health crises.

Opposes mass government surveillance programs and allowing law enforcement to access personal information.

- Supports pay raises for border patrol agents, grants for law enforcement agencies, and giving officer more tools to respond to mental health crises.
- Opposes mass government surveillance programs and allowing law enforcement to access personal information.

Public Safety

Opposes privatizing public education and supports increased local control over state schools.

Supports the Perkins Loan and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Programs and investing in Montana’s Job Corps centers.

Prioritizes teacher recruitment and retention and supports programs that provide scholarships, forgive loans, and provide professional development opportunities.

- Opposes privatizing public education and supports increased local control over state schools.
- Supports the Perkins Loan and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Programs and investing in Montana’s Job Corps centers.
- Prioritizes teacher recruitment and retention and supports programs that provide scholarships, forgive loans, and provide professional development opportunities.

Education

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Jon Tester

Jon Tester is a United States Senator from Montana. He was elected to this position in 2006, and has served 3 terms in this position. Jon previously served in the Montana Senate from 1999 to 

The candidate's website says, "Would constitute, encourage or provide instructions for a criminal offense, violate the rights of any party or otherwise create liability or violate any local, state, national or international law;"

The candidate's website says, "Detect, investigate, and prevent fraudulent transactions and other illegal activities and protect the rights and property of MFT and others; and"

Said, "LEO MCDONNELL: But wealthy outsiders are changing our state, driving up the cost of housing, and fentanyl is exploding across Montana."

The candidate's website says, "Engage in any harassing, threatening, intimidating, predatory or stalking conduct;"

The candidate's website says, "” highlights how Montana has been changing as wealthy outsiders drive up housing costs and fentanyl endangers Montanans across the state, but Jon remains the same: committed to defending the Montana we know and love."

The candidate's website says, "“Generations” highlights how Montana has been changing as wealthy outsiders drive up housing costs and fentanyl endangers Montanans across the state, but Jon remains the same: committed to defending the Montana we know and love."

The candidate's website says, "BILLINGS – Third-generation dirt farmer and U.S. Senator Jon Tester continues to push to secure the border for our national security and to tackle the fentanyl crisis, and Montanans are making it clear they support Jon in this fight."

The candidate's website says, "Third-generation dirt farmer and U.S. Senator Jon Tester continues to push to secure the border for our national security and to tackle the fentanyl crisis, and Montanans are making it clear they support Jon in this fight."

The candidate's website says, "...is a member of the Great Falls School Board. She is a recently retired Great Falls Public Schools elementary school teacher who taught for 25 years..."

Jon Tester is a United States Senator from Montana who has been in office since winning the election in 2006. Jon previously served in the Montana Senate.

Said, "I will always ensure that Montana women have a voice in D.C., especially as women’s rights and freedoms are being threatened across the country and in Montana... This strong coalition of women understand that our personal freedoms are critical to who we are as Montanans..." - Senator Jon Tester"

Supports women's health care access and reproductive rights.

- Supports women's health care access and reproductive rights.
- Said, "I will always ensure that Montana women have a voice in D.C., especially as women’s rights and freedoms are being threatened across the country and in Montana."
- Supports protecting medicare and social security.
- Supported measures to increase access to healthcare in rural communities.

Supports legislations to overturn the Citizens United decision.

- Supports legislations to overturn the Citizens United decision.
- Supports same-day voter registration, allowing college students to use their IDs to vote, and continued access to early and mail voting.

Supports the Keystone XL Pipeline project.

- Supported the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that secured investments to improve and modernize electrical grids.
- Supports the Keystone XL Pipeline project.

Supports the bipartisan border deal to increase border security, calling it a “commonsense bill.”

- Opposed the DREAM (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minor) Act in 2010, but supported the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program in 2017.
- Supports the bipartisan border deal to increase border security, calling it a “commonsense bill.”
- The candidate's website says, "Jon’s work has improved access to services for our veterans... and secured more resources for our Border Patrol and military."

Opposes outsiders buying land in Montana and driving up living costs.

- Supports investing in rural America.
- Opposes outsiders buying land in Montana and driving up living costs.
- Supports the Broadband DATA Act to expand rural broadband coverage.

Jon Tester was born in Havre, Montana, in 1956 and grew up on his family's farm in Chouteau County, which was homesteaded by his grandparents over a century ago. He attended the University of Great Falls, where he graduated with a music degree. Jon is married to Sharla Bitz, whom he met at church, and together they have three children: Christine, Shon, and Melody, who they welcomed into their family. The Tester family continues to farm the land just outside of Big Sandy, Montana.

Jon Tester is a third-generation farmer who has worked on his family's farm near Big Sandy, Montana. He taught music at F. E. Miley Elementary School before entering politics. Tester has served as a U.S. Senator, and he is known for his commitment to transparency, including being the first member of Congress to post his daily public schedule online.

Jon Tester is a U.S. Senator from Montana who has been in office since winning the election in 2006. He has a history of advocating for transparency, having made history as the first member of Congress to post his daily public schedule online. Prior to his tenure in the U.S. Senate, Tester served in the Montana Senate, having run for the seat after becoming frustrated with the state's energy industry deregulation. Specific committee appointments or service details are not provided in the background information.

Said, "Jon’s race is one of the most competitive in the country, and could determine the Senate majority. Republicans are already targeting Montana, and we need to be ready to defend against incoming attacks."

Said, "Federal law requires us to collect (and disclose) the name, mailing address, occupation, employer, and principal place of business of all individuals whose donations to MFT exceed $200 per election cycle."

The candidate's website says, "To report required information to the Federal Election Commission or state agencies, including name, mailing address, occupation, employer, and principal place of business of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in an election cycle;"

Supports bipartisan collaboration in Washington, prioritizing practical solutions over politics, to address the border crisis through a Senate bill providing policies and funding to improve the long-standing issues at the southern border.

The candidate's website says, "would be the most significant action taken by Congress to address our broken immigration system in literally decades"

The candidate's website says, "Jon has been steadfast in his support for the bipartisan border deal to secure the border, calling it a “"

The candidate's website says, "America has a border problem... We need elected officials who are willing to work across party lines to find solutions to our nation’s problems, including the border crisis..."

The candidate's website says, "LAST NIGHT ON LAST WORD: Jon Tester Torches “Broken Congress” for Refusing to Pass Border Security Deal – Montanans for Jon Tester"

The candidate's website says, "Jon torched a “broken Congress” for blocking a border security deal... slamming it as “political malpractice.”... “We need to fix this border... it just shows you how badly broken Congress is.”"

Said, "Jon Tester: “We had an opportunity to fix it today... the same folks, who are talking about what a horrible situation is on the border – and I agree, we need to fix it – voted against fixing it! Why? Because they want it as a campaign issue.”"

The candidate's website says, "Jon torched a “broken Congress” for blocking a border security deal on the Senate floor yesterday, slamming it as “political malpractice.” As Jon told Lawrence: “We need to fix this border […]"

The candidate's website says, "LAST NIGHT ON LAST WORD: Jon Tester Torches “Broken Congress” for Refusing to Pass Border Security Deal"

The candidate's website says, "WHAT MONTANANS ARE SAYING: Jon is Only Member of the MT Delegation Working to Secure the Border – Montanans for Jon Tester"

The candidate's website says, "BILLINGS – Third-generation dirt farmer and U.S. Senator Jon Tester joined Lawrence O’Donnell on MSNBC’s The Last Word last night to talk border security – and he didn’t hold any punches."

The candidate's website says, "Jon will never stop fighting for our veterans, cracking down on corruption and cronyism in Washington, lowering costs, and investing in our rural communities."

- The US Senator is a member of the United States Senate, the upper house of the United States Congress. There are a total of 100 US Senators. Montana, like every other US state, has two senators. 
- US Senators have a great deal of power when it comes to bringing the concerns of their state to the national arena. US Senators can author, sponsor, amend, debate and vote on bills which may become national law. 
- US Senators have an important role in deciding who runs the federal government. They hold confirmation hearings for most presidential appointees, including new Supreme Court Justices and Presidential Cabinet Members.
- Senators can be appointed to committees which focus on particular issues. Examples include the Appropriations Committee, which handles budget planning, or the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which is a diplomatic body that welcomes foreign delegations.
- Senators are elected to six-year terms in statewide elections. US Senators are paid a salary of $174,000/year.

One of two federal lawmakers representing Montana in the US Senate