{"id":77035,"date":"2024-10-30T20:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-10-30T20:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/uncategorized\/2024\/10\/30\/key-congressional-voices-on-defense-face-tough-election-fights\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T16:05:54","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T16:05:54","slug":"key-congressional-voices-on-defense-face-tough-election-fights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/news\/pentagon-congress\/2024\/10\/30\/key-congressional-voices-on-defense-face-tough-election-fights\/","title":{"rendered":"Key congressional voices on defense face tough election fights"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Several congressional incumbents with key defense and veterans policy leadership positions could be ousted next week when voters head to the polls <\/a>Tuesday. Here are three of the biggest races advocates are monitoring and the impact they could have on critical legislation for troops and veterans next year:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tester\u2019s reelection bid<\/a> is one of the most closely watched races in the country because it could decide which party controls the Senate in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Democratic Party members currently have a one-seat advantage in the Senate but are expected to lose at least one spot due to the retirement of West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin. If Tester loses, it could swing the majority to Republicans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recent polls have shown the 68-year-old incumbent trailing his Republican opponent, former Army Ranger Tim Sheehy. Tester, who has served in the Senate since 2007, had considered retirement before opting to run again this cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\t