Tim Sheehy

Tim Sheehy
Name	Tim Sheehy
Birth name	Timothy Michael Sheehy
Birth date	5 December 1979
Birth place	Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.
Education	United States Naval Academy (BS)
Spouse	Carmen Lish
Party	Republican
Branch	United States Navy
Serviceyears	2002–2015
Rank	Chief Warrant Officer 2
Unit	Naval Special Warfare
Battles	War in Afghanistan, Iraq War
Awards	Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart

Tim Sheehy. Timothy Michael Sheehy is an American businessman, former United States Navy SEAL officer, and Republican politician. He is the founder and chief executive officer of Bridger Aerospace, a Montana-based aerial firefighting company, and was the Republican nominee in the 2024 U.S. Senate election in Montana. Sheehy's career has spanned combat deployments in the Global War on Terrorism, entrepreneurship, and a rapid ascent into national politics.

Early life and education

Timothy Michael Sheehy was born on December 5, 1979, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He was raised in Afton, Minnesota, and attended Hill-Murray School, a private Catholic institution in Maplewood, Minnesota. Demonstrating leadership early, he served as class president and was a multi-sport athlete. Following high school, Sheehy received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics and received his commission as an ensign in the United States Navy.

Military career

Upon commissioning, Sheehy entered the rigorous training pipeline for the United States Naval Special Warfare Command. He completed BUD/S and was designated a Navy SEAL, serving with SEAL Team 2 and later SEAL Team 6. His deployments included multiple combat tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq during the height of the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War. In one engagement in Kunar Province, he was wounded by enemy fire and awarded the Purple Heart. Sheehy also received the Bronze Star Medal for valor. He attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2 before medically retiring in 2015 due to injuries sustained in service.

Business career

After leaving the military, Sheehy moved to Montana and founded Bridger Aerospace in 2014, headquartered in Belgrade, Montana. The company specializes in aerial wildfire suppression using a fleet of air tankers and ISR aircraft. Under his leadership, Bridger Aerospace grew into a significant contractor for federal and state agencies like the United States Forest Service and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Sheehy also co-founded Ascent Vision Technologies, a company that manufactures stabilized imaging systems for U.S. Department of Defense and allied military customers. Both companies have operations at the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport.

Political career

Sheehy entered politics in 2023, launching a campaign for the United States Senate seat held by three-term Democratic incumbent Jon Tester. He quickly garnered endorsements from key figures in the Republican establishment, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Governor of Montana Greg Gianforte. After a primary contest against former Secretary of State Brad Johnson and State Senator Ken Bogner, Sheehy secured the Republican nomination. He was defeated by Tester in the November 2024 general election.

Political positions

Sheehy's platform emphasized strong support for the Second Amendment and securing the southern border, including completion of the border wall. He advocated for increased domestic energy production from fossil fuels on federal lands in the West and criticized what he termed excessive environmental regulations from the Biden administration. On foreign policy, aligned with a America First approach, he called for a more restrained international military footprint while maintaining a strong stance against adversaries like the People's Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Personal life

Sheehy is married to Carmen Lish, a University of Montana graduate and former news reporter for KTVQ in Billings, Montana. The couple has three children and resides on a ranch near Gallatin Gateway, Montana. He is an avid outdoorsman, participating in hunting, fly fishing, and skiing. Sheehy is a Roman Catholic and has been involved with veteran support organizations, including the Navy SEAL Foundation and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Category:1979 births Category:Living people Category:American military personnel of the Iraq War Category:United States Navy SEALs Category:Businesspeople from Montana Category:Republican Party (United States) candidates for United States Senate Category:People from Saint Paul, Minnesota Category:United States Naval Academy alumni