Republican U.S. Senate Candidate Tim Sheehy speaks to supporters during an event at the Northern Hotel, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, in Billings, Mont. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown)

Tim Sheehy, the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in Montana, stirred confused laughter during a campaign event Tuesday when he joked about his next big scandal being a “second family in Utah.”

Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL and business owner, made the quip during a Gallatin County Republican Women luncheon while discussing the heightened scrutiny faced by politicians today — especially for Republicans. 

“They will do whatever it takes. They’ll say whatever it takes,” Sheehy said. “I mean, I don’t know what the next scandal [is]. They’ll probably say I have a second family in Utah or something.”

Sheehy joked about and dismissed his multiple scandals earlier during the event, saying his alter ego “Shady Sheehy” has a “ranch is twice as big as mine, he’s way richer than I am. He’s even got a yacht in the Caymans. So if you ever meet this guy I’ll trade places with him any day.” Sheehy also highlighted actual claims, saying he’s been accused of selling national parks and closing hospitals. 

At another local Montana Republican women’s group event last December, he told attendees that he believed abortion is “sinful” and wanted it “all to end tomorrow.” He is campaigning against abortion, with exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother.

The race in Montana is among the most competitive, as incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Tester fights to hold onto his seat and Democrats try to keep control of the Senate. Recent polling suggests Sheehy holds a five-percentage-point lead against Tester. The race has focused heavily on the economy, the border and abortion. In addition to the Senate race, voters in Montana are set to decide the fate of abortion rights within the state.