Jon Tester

Guide Note:

Jon Tester is the junior U.S. Senator from Montana. In 2006, Tester defeated incumbent Republican Senator Conrad Burns to win the position.

Fast Facts:

1. Born: August 21, 1956, in Havre, Montana
2. Party: Democratic
3. Assumed Office: January 3, 2007
4. Spouse: Sharla Tester
5. Alma Mater: University of Great Falls
6. Previous Occupation/Position Held: Farmer
7. Senior Senator from Montana: Max Baucus
8. Lost three fingers off his left hand in a meat grinder accident when he was a child

Tester was born and raised in rural Montana, and grew up on and around farms. In the 1980s, he helped his family navigate the transition to organic farming. After graduating from the University of Great Falls, Tester worked as a music teacher in the Big Sandy School District.

Tester first became involved in civic life through involvement in a number of soil conservation committees, and in 1998, he was elected to the Montana State Senate. By 2005, Tester had ascended to the Presidency of the State Senate. His 2006 campaign against Conrad Burns was closely watched throughout the country; he defeated the Senator by fewer than 3,000 votes.