Senate race · 2026

Montana Senate Race

This election is for a U.S. Senate seat representing Montana, left open as Republican incumbent Steve Daines is not seeking a third term. The race is considered highly competitive, featuring a Republican, a Democrat, and a prominent independent candidate.

All 2026 races

3 candidates · what each one campaigns on

Seth Bodnar

Independent

Seth Bodnar is a Green Beret, business leader, and former president of the University of Montana.

Campaign platform

Independent Voice
Bodnar aims to be an independent voice for Montana in the U.S. Senate, working for all Montanans regardless of party affiliation.
DemocracySource
Montana Way of Life
Bodnar advocates for making the Montana way of life a reality again, focusing on state-specific priorities.
EconomySource
Individual Liberty, Collective Responsibility
Bodnar supports individual liberty while also emphasizing collective responsibility.
DemocracySource
Reform Broken Politics
Bodnar seeks to reform the current political system, which he describes as broken by partisanship.
DemocracySource
Safety, Security, Rule of Law
Bodnar lists safety, security, and the rule of law as core issues he stands for.
JusticeSource

Campaign site Ballotpedia profile

Kurt Alme

Republican

Kurt Alme is the former U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana.

Campaign platform

Affordability for Montana families
Campaigns on bringing down housing, energy and everyday costs in Montana.
EconomySource
Community public safety
A former U.S. Attorney who centers crime and drug enforcement in his platform.
Justice & Public SafetySource

Campaign site Ballotpedia profile

Alani Bankhead

Democratic

Alani Bankhead is an officer who served in the U.S. Air Force.

Campaign platform

Fed Up with Money in Government
Bankhead expresses a belief that people are fed up with money influencing government decisions.
DemocracySource
Pro-Choice Stance
Bankhead holds a pro-choice position on reproductive rights.
HealthSource
Anti-Iran War Stance
Bankhead opposes involvement in a war with Iran.
DefenseSource
Pro-Public Lands
Bankhead supports the protection and preservation of public lands.
EnvironmentSource

Campaign site Ballotpedia profile

Platform items are drawn from candidates’ own campaign materials and public reporting, summarised neutrally. They are what a candidate says they will do — not a judgement about whether they will do it. Once a candidate is serving in Congress, their record moves to the The Informed Ballot profiles.