Democratic Sen. Jon Tester announces run for reelection in Montana

Sen. Jon Tester of Montana said Wednesday he will seek reelection to a fourth term in 2024, a boost to Democrats' hopes of maintaining a seat in the Republican-leaning state as they try to hang on to their narrow Senate majority.

Tester, 66, said he was seeking reelection to continue standing up for veterans and to "lower costs," which his campaign said referred to rising expenses for housing, health care, child care and other needs.

"I know that people in Washington don't understand what a hard day's work looks like or the challenges working families are facing in Montana," the Democrat said Wednesday in a statement. "Montanans need a fighter holding Washington accountable."