Helena Candidate Reportedly Wished Cancer, Death on Sen. Tim Sheehy in July

A candidate for the Helena City Commission, Haley McKnight, has made headlines after leaving a disturbing voice message for Montana Republican U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy. In a July 1 message, McKnight wished that Sheehy would contract pancreatic cancer and “die in the street like a dog.” This has sparked controversy as the election approaches.

Background on the Incident

The voice message was left in response to the senator’s support for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which aimed to advance certain healthcare policies. McKnight expressed her outrage in the message, calling Sheehy a “coward and thief.” She was particularly upset about the potential impact this legislation could have on 17 million Americans who rely on health care coverage.

Elections and Candidate Context

• Election Date: The nonpartisan election is scheduled for Tuesday.
• Ballot Returns: As of last week, 32% of ballots had been returned, according to election officials.
• Candidates: McKnight is one of four individuals vying for two seats on the Helena City Commission.

McKnight’s Statement

In a subsequent interview, McKnight stood by her remarks, stating they stemmed from “justified rage” regarding political decisions affecting Montanans. Although she acknowledged the offensive nature of her language, she maintained that her intentions were not to threaten Sheehy.

Reactions to the Message

Since the release of the message, which became public due to a story by the National Review and a related press release, McKnight reported receiving numerous death threats. She believes Sheehy is using this incident to intimidate her politically.

Senator’s Response

In response to the voicemails, Sheehy’s office indicated they had contacted law enforcement about the matter. A spokesperson suggested McKnight might need help, citing the intense emotions surrounding political discourse.

Conclusion

This controversial incident underscores the heightened tensions in political campaigning and the potential for messages to be misinterpreted or used for political gain. As the Helena City Commission election approaches, all eyes will be on how these events unfold.