The competition to succeed a prominent political figure in Montana is heating up, with three candidates setting the stage for a showdown in November.
What seemed like a clear path for Montana State has become more complicated since early 2026. Now, three new contenders—Kurt Alme, a former U.S. District Attorney; Seth Bodnar, who once led the University of Montana; and Alani Bankhead—are all gearing up for the upcoming election.
Things got interesting when Republican Senator Steve Daines unexpectedly pulled out of his re-election bid, prompting a surge of activity among would-be successors.
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Now, it’s a three-way race featuring a chosen heir, an independent outsider, and someone with no prior experience in office.
Given the groundwork laid by Daines over the years, Alme seems to have an edge. He’s been pivotal in shifting Montana from a politically mixed state to a solid Republican bastion.
Although Alme hasn’t held a statewide position before, his background includes two appointments as district attorney under President Donald Trump, in addition to his work in the administration of Governor Greg Gianforte.
As he connects with voters, Alme is leaning on support from Trump and endorsements from influential figures like Daines and Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.).
In a conversation with Fox News Digital last March, Alme expressed confidence in the Republican platform, stating, “We believe President Trump’s governance style resonates well with Montanans. If we stick to our conservative values, we’ll do well against the competition.”
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However, both Bodnar and Bankhead have raised questions about Alme’s swift entry into the race. The timing of Daines’ withdrawal just before candidate deadlines led to speculation that Alme’s candidacy wasn’t entirely organic.
Bodnar remarked, “In March, it seemed as though some insiders in Washington attempted to manipulate this election by promoting hand-picked candidates.” He also emphasized that his campaign has been focused on fostering a grassroots movement driven by Montanans who desire authentic representation.
Bodnar is not officially running for office but has surprisingly excelled in fundraising compared to his opponents. His latest financial report indicated that his independent campaign has raised over $754,000 since March, totaling $2 million since launching his bid. In contrast, Bankhead’s campaign garnered $294,000, while Alme managed to raise $259,000.
Despite the significant funds, Bodnar and Bankhead face steep challenges in a state that strongly leans Republican, especially with Trump having won by wide margins in past elections.
