Opinion - Tim Sheehy dismisses the priorities of young Montanans like me

As a former Republican State Legislator here in Montana, a young woman, and a proud fifth-generation Montanan, I find Tim Sheehy’s most recently uncovered comments incredibly dismissive and offensive to young voters across Montana. Sheehy has been on record stating that women under the age of 30 are “indoctrinated” and “single-issue voters” for caring about reproductive rights this election.

The issue of reproductive freedom may not be necessary to him, but it is an essential issue to many young Montana women. Sheehy’s dismissive language tells you all you need to know about what he thinks about young voters — and how little he cares about our concerns.

As one of the youngest state legislators in Montana, I strived to be a voice for young people like me and get a seat at the table to fight for our issues. Young voters in Montana are battling sky-high housing costs and looking at the reality of possibly never owning a home because out-of-staters like Tim Sheehy move here and buy up multiple homes. Meanwhile, students and other young people struggle or seek additional loans to afford rent.

So when Tim Sheehy says, “Young people, listen, they’ve been indoctrinated for too long,” it feels personal. And I think Tim could benefit from listening to young people and our priorities — not dismissing them.

Tim Sheehy has repeatedly shown Montanans that he’ll never work in the best interests of our state. He’s moved here and bought multiple mansions and thousands of acres of land to play cowboy. He is not here to represent us or take Montanans’ concerns seriously but to hitch a ride to the Senate.

I’m a Republican, and a split-ticket voter who votes for what I feel is best for Montana. Jon Tester values every Montanan’s voice, regardless of age or party, and will always consider our ideas and opinions. Tester wants Montana to thrive because he grew up here and has the same hopes and dreams for our state as I do.

Montana values are on the line in this election. Your vote matters. Don’t vote for the “pseudo-Montanan” Tim Sheehy, who knows nothing about what makes Montana the Last Best Place. Vote for Jon Tester, who will always give young people and all Montanans a seat at the table because Montana always comes first for him.

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Mallorie Stromswold was elected to the state Legislature as a Republican representative in 2020 and 2022 and represented Billings House District 50.