Who Is Jon Tester? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Jon Tester was born on August 21, 1956, making him 68 years old as of 2025. A prominent American politician and farmer, Tester has been serving as a U.S. Senator from Montana since 2007. Known for his pragmatic approach to politics, he has been an advocate for agricultural interests and rural communities.
Occupation | Politician |
---|---|
Date of Birth | August 21, 1956 |
Age | 68 Years |
Birth Place | Havre, Montana, U.S. |
Horoscope | Leo |
Country | U.S |
Popularity
Jon Tester's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
- Height: 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 200 lbs (91 kg)
- Body Measurements: While specific measurements are not publicly available, Jon's athletic build reflects his active lifestyle.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Jon Tester is married to his long-time wife, Sharla Tester. The couple has been together for several decades and has raised three children together. Jon and Sharla are known for their close-knit family dynamic and often make public appearances together, showcasing their strong partnership.
As of 2025, Jon Tester is not known to be in any romantic involvements outside of his marriage, reinforcing his commitment to family values.
Tester, born in Utah. He is the descendant of Mormon pioneers on his father's side. His father was of English descent and his mother was of Swedish ancestry. Tester grew up in Chouteau County, near the town of Big Sandy, Montana, on land that his grandfather homesteaded in 1912.
At the age of nine, he lost the middle three fingers of his left hand in a meat-grinder accident. In 1978, he graduated from the University of Providence (then called the College of Great Falls) with a B.A. in music.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Jon Tester’s estimated net worth stands at around $5 million. This wealth primarily stems from his political career, combined with his investments in agricultural enterprises. An influential figure in the Senate, Tester's annual salary as a U.S. Senator is approximately $174,000, although his income from farming and other ventures contributes significantly to his financial portfolio.
Tester was one of two Democratic senators to filibuster the American Jobs Act in 2011. It was reported that he was not concerned about the surtax on some families to pay for the plan, but was unsure that the new spending would actually create jobs. "I've got more of a concern about a state aid package ...
and how the money is going to be spent and whether it's really going to create jobs," he explained.
Career, Business, and Investments
Jon Tester’s political career began in the Montana State Senate, where he served as the President from 2005 until 2007. His tenure as a U.S. Senator has been marked by advocacy for veterans' affairs, healthcare accessibility, and agricultural policy. He is a member of various Senate committees and plays a crucial role in bipartisan legislation.
In addition to his political responsibilities, Tester is actively involved in farming. He owns and operates a family farm that has been passed down through generations. His understanding of agriculture allows him to represent the interests of rural Montanans effectively.
Tester's election as Senate president marked a transition for Montana Democrats as they moved into the majority leadership of the Senate for the first time in more than a decade. Term limits prohibited Tester from running for State Senate for a third consecutive term.
Tester cited a prescription drug benefit program, reinstatement of the "Made in Montana" promotion program, a law to encourage renewable energy development, and his involvement with a bill that led to an historic increase in public school funding as accomplishments while in office.
Social Network
Jon Tester is active on social media platforms, where he engages with constituents and shares updates on his initiatives and family life. You can find him on:
The race was seen as pivotal for both parties. During his first term, Tester split with Democrats on key issues like the Keystone XL oil pipeline; he also voted with his party on issues such as the Affordable Care Act and the Dodd–Frank financial services overhaul.
Education
Jon Tester graduated from Montana State University with a degree in Music and Education. This education provided him with a foundation that he would later utilize in his public speaking and community engagement efforts. His deep roots in Montana, combined with his educational background, have shaped his perspectives and policies throughout his political journey.
Tester was first elected to represent the 45th district in the Montana Senate in 1998. Before running for State Senate, Tester served on the Big Sandy school board for a decade. He was elected the minority whip for the 2001 session. In 2002, he was reelected with 71% of the vote, and he became minority leader in 2003.
In 2004 he moved to the 15th district as a "holdover" because of redistricting. In 2005, Tester was elected president of the Montana Senate, the chief presiding officer of the Montana Legislature's upper chamber.