Tim Sheehy faces criticism for racist comments about Native Americans

Tim Sheehy, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in Montana, has come under fire following the release of recordings in which he makes racially insensitive remarks about Native Americans. The comments, which were made during private fundraisers last year, have sparked outrage among Indigenous communities and raised concerns about the impact on Sheehy’s Senate campaign.

The recordings, which were originally made public by The Char-Koosta News and obtained by The New York Times, show Sheehy, a businessman and cattle rancher, making disparaging remarks about Native Americans. Sheehy describes branding and cattle roping on the Crow Reservation as “a great way to bond with all the Indians out there, while they’re drunk at 8 a.m.” in one of the recordings. Another time, he talks of being in a Crow procession and makes fun of the audience’s response, joking that “there’s Coors Light cans flying by your head, so they’ll let you know whether they like you or not.”

These comments have been condemned by Indigenous leaders and residents in Montana, a state where Native Americans constitute about 6 percent of the population. The state is home to seven reservations and twelve tribes, each with its own unique cultural and historical context. Native American advocates have long criticized political leaders for neglecting essential needs on reservations, such as water, electricity, and health care.

Calvin Lime, a resident of the Blackfeet Reservation, expressed his dismay at Sheehy’s remarks, calling them a “slap in the face.” Lime noted that the Crow Tribe, which Sheehy disparaged, has been notably supportive of former President Donald Trump, who endorsed Sheehy in the Republican primary. Lime’s frustration underscores the broader concern that Sheehy’s comments undermine the efforts of Republicans who have worked to build better relations with Native American communities.

The controversy has also sparked a reaction from Montana’s political landscape. Native American voters have been a crucial support base for Democratic Senator Jon Tester, who is facing a competitive race against Sheehy. While some Republicans, like Representative Ryan Zinke, have made strides in engaging with Native American voters, Sheehy’s comments could jeopardize these efforts.

Alexandra Lin, a former member of the Montana Democratic Party and an Indigenous activist, highlighted the importance of recognizing and addressing the concerns of Native American communities. She expressed surprise that Sheehy, despite being aware of the demographic significance, has not followed in the footsteps of other Republicans who have made efforts to improve relations with Native tribes.

As Sheehy’s campaign responds to the fallout from these recordings, the impact on his electoral prospects remains uncertain. The incident has intensified scrutiny of Sheehy’s views and raised questions about his commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of Montana’s Native American communities.