Tim Sheehy Biography
Tim Sheehy is a Montana-based businessman and Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in the 2024 elections. Sheehy is a former Navy SEAL, having served in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he earned the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his combat actions. After being medically separated from the Navy in 2014, he transitioned into business, founding Bridger Aerospace, an aerial firefighting company. This company has grown significantly, although it has faced financial difficulties recently, including reported losses of over $77 million in 2023.
Sheehy’s background also includes founding other ventures, such as Ascent Vision Technologies, which he sold for $350 million. He has significant wealth, with his net worth estimated between $74 million and $200 million, largely derived from his businesses and investments. In addition to his business ventures, he and his wife Carmen, also a military veteran, have made substantial charitable donations, particularly in Montana, supporting healthcare and historical preservation.
Politically, Sheehy has positioned himself as a strong conservative, emphasizing his support for border security, opposition to climate policies like ESG, and advocating for “America First” policies. His campaign has drawn national attention as he seeks to unseat Democratic incumbent Jon Tester, with many viewing this as one of the most competitive Senate races in 2024.
Tim Sheehy Age
Tim Sheehy was born in 1986, making him 38 years old as of 2024​.
Tim Sheehy Height
Tim Sheehy stands 6 feet 1 inch tall (185 cm).
Tim Sheehy Hometown
Tim Sheehy’s hometown is Shoreview, Minnesota, a suburb of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area​.
Tim Sheehy Parents
Tim Sheehy’s parents are Richard and Denise Sheehy. His father, Richard, owned a financial services firm.
Tim Sheehy Educational Background
Tim Sheehy attended St. Paul Academy, a prestigious private preparatory school in Minnesota, graduating in 2004. Following his high school education, Sheehy pursued a military career by attending the United States Naval Academy, where he graduated and was commissioned as a Navy officer.
In addition to his Naval Academy education, Sheehy also underwent specialized military training, including attending the Army Ranger School, one of the toughest military training programs.
Tim Sheehy Political Party
Tim Sheehy is a member of the Republican Party.
Tim Sheehy Career
Tim Sheehy is a businessman, decorated military veteran, and political figure who has made significant strides in both the military and private sectors. After a distinguished military career, Sheehy transitioned to the business world, where he founded and grew successful companies, most notably in aerial firefighting. His career path reflects his drive for leadership, innovation, and service, both in uniform and in business.
Military Service and Navy SEAL Career
Tim Sheehy’s career began in the military, where he served as a Navy SEAL. Joining the Navy shortly after graduating from the United States Naval Academy, Sheehy’s service was marked by multiple deployments to combat zones, including Iraq and Afghanistan. He distinguished himself in the field, earning a Bronze Star for valor and a Purple Heart for wounds sustained in combat. His experience as a SEAL shaped his leadership abilities and deepened his commitment to service. His military service continued until 2014, when he was medically separated due to injuries sustained in battle. During his time in the military, Sheehy participated in hundreds of missions, including direct combat operations, showcasing his resilience and dedication.
Founding Bridger Aerospace
In the same year he left the Navy, 2014, Tim Sheehy founded Bridger Aerospace, an aerial firefighting company based in Bozeman, Montana. The company specializes in providing aerial support during wildfires, using advanced technology and aircraft to combat the increasing threat of wildfires in the western United States. Sheehy’s experience as a pilot and military leader gave him the expertise to grow Bridger Aerospace into one of the leading firms in the field. The company has played a critical role in wildfire suppression, earning contracts with government agencies across the country.
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Growth of Bridger Aerospace and Ascent Vision Technologies
As Bridger Aerospace grew, Sheehy expanded his business portfolio. In addition to firefighting, he founded Ascent Vision Technologies, a company specializing in advanced sensor technology for defense and aerospace applications. Ascent Vision’s products were used in both military and civilian settings, and the company quickly became a leader in its field. In 2020, Sheehy sold Ascent Vision for $350 million, further boosting his business credentials and solidifying his status as a successful entrepreneur. His ability to scale businesses and leverage technological innovations demonstrated his acumen in both operational leadership and strategic business development. The sale of Ascent Vision marked a major milestone in his career, allowing him to focus more on Bridger Aerospace and other ventures.
Bridger Aerospace’s Challenges and Successes
Despite significant successes, Bridger Aerospace faced challenges in recent years. In 2023, the company reported record-high revenue but also experienced financial difficulties, with losses exceeding $77 million. This period of turbulence tested Sheehy’s leadership as he worked to stabilize the company’s finances while continuing to secure contracts for aerial firefighting services. Bridger Aerospace’s continued expansion has been fueled by a growing demand for its services, as wildfires in the U.S. have become more frequent and severe. Sheehy’s ability to navigate the company through difficult times has been a testament to his resilience and leadership.
Political Contributions and Influence
Beyond his business ventures, Tim Sheehy has been an active political donor, contributing to the campaigns of prominent Republican figures in Montana, including Governor Greg Gianforte and U.S. Senator Steve Daines. His political contributions, along with his growing public profile, have aligned him with Montana’s conservative political establishment. He has used his platform to advocate for policies related to national security, economic growth, and support for veterans. His political involvement has positioned him as a significant figure in Montana’s political landscape, which eventually led to his decision to run for the U.S. Senate.
Senate Campaign (2024)
In 2023, Sheehy announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in Montana, running as a Republican against longtime incumbent Democrat Jon Tester in the 2024 election. His Senate campaign has focused on issues like national security, border control, energy independence, and opposition to government regulations that hinder economic growth. Drawing on his military experience, Sheehy has framed himself as a defender of American values and a staunch supporter of policies that prioritize national security and economic freedom. His campaign has received significant attention both locally and nationally, as Montana is considered one of the key battleground states in the 2024 election. As of mid-2024, Sheehy has gained a slight edge in the polls, positioning himself as a serious contender for the seat.
Philanthropy and Civic Engagement
Outside of his business and political endeavors, Tim Sheehy has been active in philanthropy, particularly in Montana. He and his wife Carmen have donated millions to local causes, including a $4.2 million contribution to the Bozeman Health Deaconess neonatal intensive care unit. Additionally, they have supported the Montana Historical Society and other local organizations focused on healthcare, education, and historical preservation. Sheehy’s philanthropic efforts reflect his commitment to giving back to the community that he now calls home.
Tim Sheehy Net Worth
Tim Sheehy’s net worth is estimated to be between $74 million and $200 million. His wealth primarily comes from his business ventures, including his role as the CEO of Bridger Aerospace, and from various investments, including dividends from his holdings​.
Tim Sheehy Family: Wife and Children
Tim Sheehy is married to Carmen Sheehy, a fellow military veteran who graduated from the United States Naval Academy. The couple met while serving in Afghanistan. Carmen, like Tim, has a strong military background, which has been a significant part of their shared life. Together, they have four children. The Sheehy family currently resides in Montana​.
FAQs
Who is Tim Sheehy?
Tim Sheehy is a former Navy SEAL, businessman, and current Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in Montana, running in the 2024 elections.
What is Tim Sheehy’s military background?
Sheehy served as a Navy SEAL, with deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other regions. He earned a Bronze Star for valor and a Purple Heart after being injured in combat.
What companies did Tim Sheehy found?
Tim Sheehy founded Bridger Aerospace, an aerial firefighting company, and co-founded Ascent Vision Technologies, a defense technology firm that was sold for $350 million in 2020.
What is Tim Sheehy’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated to be between $74 million and $200 million, largely derived from his business ventures and investments.
When did Tim Sheehy announce his candidacy for the U.S. Senate?
Tim Sheehy announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2023, running as a Republican against incumbent Senator Jon Tester in the 2024 election.
Who is Tim Sheehy’s wife?
Tim Sheehy is married to Carmen Sheehy, a fellow military veteran and graduate of the United States Naval Academy.
What are Tim Sheehy’s philanthropic efforts?
Tim Sheehy and his wife have donated millions to Montana-based causes, including $4.2 million to Bozeman Health Deaconess for neonatal care and $500,000 to the Montana Historical Society.
