Tester: Montana’s Alexis Wineman an ‘extraordinary representative’ of the human spirit

Senator congratulates Miss Montana on ‘groundbreaking courage’

(BIG SANDY, Mont.) – U.S. Senator Jon Tester tonight released the following statement in response to Miss Montana Alexis Wineman’s courageous competition in the Miss America Pageant. Wineman, of Cut Bank, Mont., inspired millions as the first Miss America contestant diagnosed with autism.

“Sharla and I join all Montanans in congratulating Alexis and thanking her for her groundbreaking courage. Alexis set out to raise awareness of autism. She made history doing just that while inspiring millions with humor, grace and acceptance. Alexis is an extraordinary representative of Montana and more importantly, the human spirit.”