Jon Tester targets Tim Sheehy for flying private, despite the senator’s own jet travel

Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) attacked his Republican challenger, Tim Sheehy , over his private plane usage, claiming Sheehy "won’t look out for Montana’s working families." There's just one problem: Tester has dropped donor funds over the years on exclusive travel with private jet companies, records show.

"I doubt someone who flies private jets to out-of-state fundraisers cares about the price of a gallon of gas or a carton of eggs," Tester posted on social media Saturday.

"Tim Sheehy won't look out for Montana's working families," the Senate Democrat added in the post.

The private jet travel criticism of Sheehy could be a tough line of attack from Tester, who is seeking a fourth term in 2024 .

Tester has spent tens of thousands of dollars since 2006 in campaign money on charter flights through companies such as Exec Air Montana, Air Charter Team, and Charter Flight Group, according to Federal Election Commission filings.

This year alone, Tester paid almost $14,000 to Charter Flight Group, a private jet company "providing impeccable service from takeoff to touchdown," filings show.

The company offers a jet called a Bombardier Challenger 605/650 that is known for its "spacious cabins" and "advanced technology," according to Charter Flight Group.

"When it comes to flying private, you can expect nothing short of a pedigree experience," Charter Flight Group says on its website. "Reserve a jet where and when you need it and choose your desired aircraft. Whether you want Wi-Fi onboard, catered meals to your liking, or transportation, as soon as you touch the ground, we cover it all and so much more. At Charter Flight Group, we offer the finest private jet features around."

Meanwhile, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spent almost $13,000 on travel with Exec Air Montana in 2015 when Tester led the organization, filings show. Exec Air Montana is the state's "oldest air charter company," according to Exec Air Montana.

"It sounds like when ‘rugged dirt farmer’ Jon Tester isn’t driving his manly Prius around D.C., he’s flying around the country in a private jet," said Maggie Abboud, a National Republican Senatorial Committee spokeswoman. "Tester is a two-faced hypocrite.”

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Tester's campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

The Montana Senate race is expected to be one of the most competitive this cycle, with Tester and Sheehy polling neck-and-neck. A mid-June survey found the two candidates tied at 46% among likely voters in the state.