Alme Wins Montana Senate Race; House Contest Uncalled

Republican Kurt Alme won Montana’s open U.S. Senate race, defeating independent Seth Bodnar 47.7% to 38.6% with 78% of the vote counted; Democrat Alani Bankhead received 11.9%. Bodnar conceded, and Alme called for pursuing shared goals and broader opportunity. The race was Montana’s first open Senate contest since 1976, after incumbent Steve Daines withdrew shortly before the filing deadline, clearing the way for Alme to win the Republican nomination. In the open western U.S. House race, Republican Aaron Flint held a narrow lead over Democrat Sam Forstag, but the contest remained uncalled with the district’s most populous counties yet to report. The House seat is open because Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke is retiring.