Montana Candidate’s Threatening Voicemail Exposed

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A Montana city commissioner candidate left a voicemail for U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy on July 1, 2023, containing explicit death wishes and personal insults. The message was sent following Senator Sheehy’s vote in favor of the Republican-backed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” and its public release has fueled debate over political hostility and the security of elected officials.

Key Highlights

Haley McKnight, a city commissioner candidate from Montana, left a threatening voicemail for Senator Tim Sheehy on July 1, 2023.
The message contained explicit threats and insults, and its authenticity was later verified by major news outlets.
The threat occurred after Senator Sheehy’s vote on the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
Both McKnight and Sheehy have reported experiencing consequences, including personal threats against McKnight and heightened security concerns for Sheehy.
The incident is being discussed in the context of increasing threats directed at public officials nationwide.

Voicemail Incident Targets U.S. Senator

On July 1, 2023, U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) received a voicemail from Haley McKnight, an individual who was a candidate for city commissioner at the time and is known for progressive activism. The message, which was released publicly days later, contained direct death wishes and personal insults aimed at the Senator. The message followed Sheehy’s vote supporting the comprehensive Republican tax and spending package, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”

Following the surfacing of the voicemail, the incident immediately drew national media attention. McKnight, who is the owner of Sage & Oats Trading Post in Helena, became the subject of intense media scrutiny and backlash. She has since reported receiving threats and harassment directed at her business.

Meanwhile, Senator Sheehy’s office released a statement reiterating concerns over the safety of public officials and emphasizing the importance of civil discourse in the political environment.

Another Democrat threatening a Republican

“Freshman Sen Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., was targeted with death threats & other extreme insults by a left-wing city commissioner candidate from Montana's capital city of Helena, who called his office several weeks ago” https://t.co/NCpbXdfnF5

— John R Lott Jr. (@JohnRLottJr) November 4, 2025

Broader Context and Fallout

The incident in Montana is part of a wider pattern of increasing threats directed at elected officials across the country. The passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” and similar legislative actions have, in some cases, triggered strong reactions from activists, including a similar incident involving Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC).

Both individuals involved have experienced personal and professional consequences. Senator Sheehy, who was recently elected, faces ongoing media scrutiny and heightened security concerns. McKnight stated her voicemail was motivated by opposition to the bill and personal healthcare grievances, and she has experienced threats against her business and reputation.

While major news outlets have confirmed the voicemail’s authenticity, and McKnight’s identity and candidacy, no criminal charges have been reported to date. The event remains a central point in public discussions regarding the limits of political speech and the responsibilities of individuals seeking public office. Some progressive groups have publicly distanced themselves from McKnight’s actions, while conservative organizations have used the incident to underscore the necessity of protecting elected officials and maintaining the rule of law.

Watch the report: LISTEN: Unhinged voicemail exposes left-wing candidates death threats against GOP senator