Montana Republican Sen. Steve Daines ended his November reelection bid Wednesday — the state’s last possible day of candidate filing.
Daines, first elected to the upper chamber in 2014, was seeking a third term until 5 p.m. MST, when Montana’s filing deadline passed and his campaign status with the state Secretary of State’s website suddenly changed to “withdrawn,” NBC Montana reported. Before Daines’ stunning decision to drop out, Montana’s 2026 Senate election was considered uncompetitive and the nonpartisan Cook Political Report rated it as “Safe Republican.”
Prior to his withdrawal, Daines had the backing of President Donald Trump.
“After much careful thought, I have decided not to seek reelection,” Daines, 63, said in a video posted to X late Wednesday, adding he is “energized,” “encouraged,” and “ready for whatever comes next.”
“I’m also very thankful to have served alongside President Trump and my colleagues in the Senate. Together we’ve built a conservative majority on the Supreme Court, we spearheaded Republican control of the U.S. Senate, we delivered the largest tax cut in U.S. history, we unleashed American energy dominance and secured our southern border,” Daines continued in the video.
The lawmaker notably chaired the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), Senate Republicans’ campaign arm, during the 2024 election cycle in which the GOP picked up four seats — including in Daines’ home state of Montana — and retook control of the upper chamber.
“Together, Cindy and I look forward to the next chapter, like cherishing moments with seven grandchildren, spending a bit more time in Montana and continuing to make a difference,” Daines’ video statement concluded.
As the two-term incumbent dropped out, U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana Kurt Alme — who has served under both Trump administrations — entered the race as a Republican. Other GOP candidates who have filed to run for the seat include businessman Trey Gregory and perennial candidate Charles WalkingChild.
Another candidate who entered the race on Wednesday was Independent Seth Bodnar, a former Army Green Beret who has served as the President of the University of Montana since 2018. Bodnar has already received an endorsement from former Democratic Montana Sen. Jon Tester, Daines’ former colleague for a decade, who lost his own bid for a fourth term to Republican Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy by seven points in 2o24.
The race also includes former Democratic Montana State Rep. Reilly Neill, who currently maintains a large lead over her party’s field in fundraising.
(Featured Image Media Credit: Screenshot YouTube/PBS Newshour)
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